According to Alex Gaskarth and pop-punk standouts All Time Low, “Everything is Fine,” or so they assert on their first brand-new single of 2018.   

“Everything is fine and nothing matters!” All Time Low didn’t have a great year commercially in 2017.  Despite the fact that their album Last Young Renegade debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200, it would completely exit the chart the next week! The thing is, while Last Young Renegade didn’t have the same ‘immaturity’ of other, earlier projects by the band, it also felt more mature and fitting given their age.  Despite the failure on the hands of Alex Gaskarth and company, the Baltimore band keeps on trucking on a new single, “Everything is Fine.”

“Everything is Fine” is energetic from the jump – turned up to the nth degree.  Set in a major key, the record exudes optimism.  After growing dynamic on the intro, All Time Low brings things back down, becoming a bit more mysterious.  This is a great move because it allows the band to save some up for the chorus, and it’s definitely worth saving up for.

“Everything is fine and nothing matters / Weather’s always nice inside my head / I turn my music up so loud / Tired of bullshit, drown it out / Everything is fine and nothing matters anyway / If I don’t care.”

Even as the verses showcases a sense of restraint as opposed to being ‘pedal to the metal,’ the record still drives.  Gaskarth, who also opts for more restraint on the verses, is still energetic, though he’s not optimistic from a lyrical perspective. “I think the whole world’s crazy,” he sings on the opening line, continuing, “I don’t want to leave my bedroom.”  On the second verse, he asserts, “But I am swimming in a footrace / There’s no finish line in sight / And they already gave the first-place medal.”

Final Thoughts 

In essence, despite the fact that Alex Gaskarth and All Time Low want us to believe they “don’t mind” and “everything is fine,” it’s not.  The mindset explored throughout this record is quite relatable.  As for the song, well, All Time Low does a fantastic job of channeling the ‘emo’ and punk spirit, which makes this a winner.

All Time Low • Everything is Fine – Single • Fueled by Ramen • Release: 6.13.18

Photo Credit: Fueled by Ramen