As It Is: The UK's Emo-Pop Revivalists

As It Is is a British-American pop-punk and emo band that emerged as a leading force in the 2010s revival of the genre. Hailing from Brighton, England, the group achieved significant commercial success with their debut album, Never Happy, Ever After, which charted in the UK and solidified their international fanbase.

Early career

Formed in 2012, As It Is was founded by vocalist and guitarist Patty Walters and guitarist Andy Westhead. The Brighton-based lineup was soon rounded out by bassist Ali Testo and drummer Patrick Foley, establishing a transatlantic connection with American-born vocalist and guitarist Benjamin Biss. The band built a dedicated following through self-released EPs and relentless touring, catching the attention of the independent label Fearless Records.

Breakthrough

The band's 2015 debut album, Never Happy, Ever After, marked their major breakthrough. Released via Fearless Records, the album entered the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, a notable feat for a debut in the modern pop-punk scene. This success was fueled by a vibrant, emotionally charged sound that resonated with a new generation of listeners, leading to extensive tours across North America and Europe.

Key tracks

Dial Tones — This lead single from their debut album became an instant anthem, defining their catchy yet melancholic pop-punk sound.

Okay — A deeply personal track addressing mental health, it showcased the band's willingness to tackle serious themes within energetic music.

The Wounded World — This song highlighted their evolution towards a heavier, more conceptual style on their second album.

The Stigma (Boys Don't Cry) — A pivotal track from their third record, it directly challenged toxic masculinity and became a fan favorite for its powerful message.

The band's subsequent albums, 2017's okay. and 2018's The Great Depression, saw As It Is exploring darker, more conceptual territory. The Great Depression was a thematic rock opera that received critical acclaim for its ambitious narrative and musical depth. Following lineup changes, including the departure of co-vocalist Ben Biss, the band released their fourth album, I Went to Hell and Back, in 2022, marking a new chapter with Patty Walters as the sole frontman.

Fans of As It Is also frequently enjoy the melodic punch of Neck Deep, another UK band driving the pop-punk resurgence. The thematic weight and dynamic range of Stand Atlantic share a similar energetic and emotive approach. The anthemic, heartfelt songwriting of State Champs aligns closely with As It Is's core sound. For those drawn to their conceptual storytelling, the work of My Chemical Romance serves as a clear and influential predecessor.

The music of As It Is maintains a strong presence on modern rock and alternative radio stations featured on this website. Their catalog, from early pop-punk hits to later ambitious albums, is regularly featured on alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams dedicated to guitar-driven music.

Listeners can discover the dynamic discography of As It Is, from their UK charting debut to their latest album, through the radio stations available on onairium.com, where their blend of emo sensibility and pop-punk energy remains a staple.