March 14th, 2014 
Troy Sennett 
Artist: As It Is
Album: This Mind of Mine
Genre: Pop Punk
As much as I love deep, involved records that require a lot of effort and attention on the listener’s part, there’s something to be said for the immediacy of a solid, well-crafted pop punk song. If This Mind of Mine is any indication, English quintet As It Is understand that sentiment better than anyone else. The four songs on their latest EP showcase a young band already at the top of their game and determined to catch your attention.
“Bitter Broken Me” kicks off This Mind of Mine with a fiery tempo and dual vocals, and it serves as the best example of just how wide this band’s appeal could be. They borrow as much from modern pop punk bands like The Wonder Years and Man Overboard as they do from classics like The Ataris and Less Than Jake, molding elements of each into a distinct and memorable sound. The latter’s influence is most prevalent on the astoundingly catchy “Horoscopes,” which could easily be an Anthem B-side with the addition of a few horn parts. If all goes well, the mix of old and new on This Mind of Mine should garner attention from both young fans just discovering pop punk and veteran listeners who might be unimpressed with the new crop of pop punk bands.
While As It Is are at their best when they play fast, “Relive This Story” is proof that they aren’t afraid to branch out. The closing track features an extended build-up that culminates in a repeated chant of “I’ll never be the man that I want to be, and he’d never want to be me” that probably makes for an excellent ending to the band’s live shows.
This Mind of Mine is certainly sweet, but it goes by all too fast. Every time the final chord of “Relive This Story” rings out, I find myself wishing I could spin an As It Is full-length right away. Hopefully, the time when that can happen isn’t far off, but until then, This Mind of Mine will stay in heavy rotation.
SCORE: 8.5/10
Review written by Troy Sennett (follow him on Twitter)
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If your gonna quote, quote. Did u make up that half assed attempt off top your head? No that took some thinking. And I wAnt residuals off everything.
Hey troy. I can’t remember now.
What is it you’re going on about exactly?