British rock band AS IT IS has returned from across the pond for their first American headline tour in six years! As someone who has fallen in love with several bands from overseas, it’s hard because they don’t always make it to the states as often as I’d like them to. The last and first time I got to see AS IT IS perform was when they toured with Set It Off and played at the Chicago House of Blues. Despite how scary the world is these days, especially as a woman of color, I did not want to let the fears prevent me from seeing this band again. I’m thankful that this trip went off without a hitch, and it was such a great show. This tour is small, and they made only a few select stops, so this was definitely a “had to be there” show. I have no regrets.

They had two openers on this run: Cherie Amour and Bearings. I’m no stranger to either band, and they made perfect sense as tourmates for AS IT IS. I first saw Cherie Amour open for Point North about three years ago at Beat Kitchen Chicago. I had never heard of any of the openers, but man did I fall hard for all of them. This is my third time seeing them play, and they DO NOT MISS. Vocalist Trey Miller is so charismatic on stage — between his melodic vocals and energetic dance moves, it’s hard not to be entranced by the band. Guitarists Casey Reid and Brendan Willis jump around the stage on beat while their drummer, Ronnie Sherman, keeps up with every note. Go look them up — I’m telling you, these boys will be selling out bigger venues before you know it.

Bearings is also a high-energy group that brings the sound. Their songs are so catchy and boppy that they’ll get you jumping around without even realizing it. There was a small-ish mosh pit during Cherie Amour’s set, but it grew during this one. The people clearly came to see Bearings give it their all, and indeed they did. My favorite song by them is “Sway,” which they did play for us, and it definitely made me SWAY along because, like I said, their music is just irresistibly catchy! If you’re not careful, this song will get stuck in your head, and you’ll be humming it at all times. I do it, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Finally, it was time for the band we all came here for, AS IT IS!

Drummer Patrick Foley came out on stage first while the opening music hung in the air. Cheers erupted as each band member finally took their place on stage. Frontman Patty Walters came out kicking—literally. This man is a firecracker on stage — between his powerful vocals, jumps, and swinging his microphone like nobody’s business, he did not come to play around. Every single person in the audience was singing along to every song, every word, and bouncing around.

AS IT IS made each show special, as their set was split into two parts: first, they played through most of their rerecording of their debut album, Never Happy, Ever After, and then they played older songs. This band came back to celebrate ten years of their debut album and wanted to make sure everyone felt the joy of the support they’ve received over the years. Each song that got re-recorded featured a special guest artist, making it that much cooler to hear the growth in their music. I just wish some of the featured artists could have made it to the tour, or at least the Chicago show. I am mostly referring to the U.K. band Mallory Knox. They haven’t been back to the States in over a decade, and I’d love for them to come back. Maybe next time AS IT IS can bring them on tour — that’d be such a cool crossover.

The night was nostalgic and amazing. AS IT IS has the new re-recorded album, Never Happy, Ever After X out, Bearings released their latest album Comfort Company, and Cherie Amour came out with Chrome Hearts earlier this year. All three of these bands’ new music slaps, and you should check each and every one of them out! Until next time, congrats on ten years for your debut album, boys! Come back soon!

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