Brighton’s four-piece As It Is are back with impactful new single The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry).

The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry) is the second taste of the band’s forthcoming third album, The Great Depression, out this August.

Confronting outdated ideals, As It Is release a bold and empowering single that tackles subjects such as empathy, equality and identity. Wrapped up in a melodic glow and passionate vocals, it sends a powerful message about defending your individuality and the right to express your emotions. The visuals complement the song in a gripping manner, fusing early 2000’s emo rock concepts with modern cinematography.

As It Is explains:

This song and video tackle toxic masculinity, and the long overdue need to rebel and speak out against outdated ideals that to this day continue to threaten individuality. The eponymous ‘stigma’ is that sense of blemish and shame so often associated with showing and expressing emotion, that causes too many to hide who they are. It is totally acceptable to show feeling; it is real and human to do so, and not something that should be arbitrarily gendered and hidden from view. In these increasingly disconnected times, where empathy is seemingly on a decline at many levels of everyday modern life, it is vital to stand up against such outdated tropes.

The Great Depression is set for release on August 10th via Fearless Records.

The band has also announced they’ll be back on the road later this year. Catch them at the following dates:

November

25 – Bristol, Thekla
26 – Edinburgh, Liquid Rooms
28 – Manchester, O2 Ritz
29 – Birmingham, O2 Institute

December

01 – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town