The Aces Are Keeping it Together and Falling Apart on “Always Get This Way”

Angel Persails

Four-piece girl group The Aces returns with a vulnerable yet cheerful single, “Always Get This Way” highlighting struggles with mental health. The Aces do not disappoint as they continue to deliver a loveable sound with heavy-hitting lyrics.

Reminiscent of classic 2010 indie-pop, “Always Get This Way” blends grief with happiness. The electronic effects perfectly tie in the crisp guitar notes, adding a fresh touch to The Aces' overall sound. The bubbly energy throughout contrasts heavily with the lyrics. Desperate emotions arise from feeling as though you're losing your mind and losing someone you care about in the process. The release reads like a poetic plea to a loved one to remain patient while the other struggles with their mental health. 

The lyric, “I don't wanna call you but I can’t really sleep and I’ve been wearing a smile, pretending to eat,” draws the image of someone struggling internally, feeling like a burden if they were to open up about their troubles. Followed by powerful isolating lines, “I know this isn't ideal for you…But if you could be kind while I lose my mind well try to…” further cements the worries that emotions can stir up, creating a familiar yet still strikingly honest take from The Aces.

Marking the beginning of The Aces’ upcoming project, the band includes a visual for ”Always Get This Way.” Paired with the lyrics, front-woman Cristal Ramirez is shown singing and dancing in her bedroom, with cuts to mundane tasks like eating and going back to bed—alluding to manic and depressive states. Ramirez is notably rocking a suit and tie, which appears to be a theme in this era for The Aces. 

To further stimulate excitement for future releases, the band released a brief teaser of what is to come, and what to expect. “This album is about reconnection,” said Ramirez. “Things have never been more clear than when we look back.” Reflecting on her younger self and her religious background, we can expect Ramirez and the rest of The Aces to tap deeper into their identities for this project.

The Aces will soon bring their highly anticipated return into fruition this year with their upcoming third studio album, I’ve Loved You For So Long to come June 2 of this year.

Listen here!