Connecticut-based band Anxious has shared their latest single, “Some Girls,” ahead of their upcoming album Bambi, which is slated for release on February 21, 2024, via Run For Cover Records.
Known for blending hardcore grit with emo’s heartfelt dynamism, Anxious ventures further into alternative rock territory, showcasing growth and ambition. Their evolution reflects not only their musical maturity but also the challenges of leaving adolescence behind.
Bambi follows the critically acclaimed debut album Little Green House (2022), which garnered praise from outlets like Pitchfork, Stereogum, and BrooklynVegan. Produced by Brett Romnes (The Movielife, Oso Oso), the new record captures the band’s efforts to balance raw energy with sophisticated songcraft.
“Bambi is the band we could have been, that I want us to be,” explains vocalist Grady Allen. This sentiment threads through the record, highlighting the tension between the past and the potential future.
Lyrically, Bambi is a candid exploration of transitions, grappling with themes like breakups, burnouts, and the complexities of adulthood. Allen describes the album as “a warts-and-all portrait” of this phase, with tracks like “Counting Sheep” using dreamy falsetto vocals to underscore escapism and avoidance. Meanwhile, songs such as “Never Said” critique the alienation within subcultures, exposing their shared flaws with the mainstream.
The songwriting reflects a deep dive into vulnerability. Guitarist Tommy Harte notes the bravery required for Allen and co-vocalist Dante Melucci to share such raw emotion: “The most beautiful moments are where their voices contrast,” particularly in tracks like “Audrey Go Again” and “Next Big Star,” where the band combines acoustic arrangements with intricate harmonies.
Musically, Bambi draws from an eclectic mix of influences, including The Smashing Pumpkins, Third Eye Blind, and The Beach Boys. These elements are woven into a distinctly Anxious sound, evident in “Some Girls,” where layered harmonies and powerful guitars blend seamlessly. Tracks like “Head & Spine” and “Sunder” explore crunchy ’90s rock textures, while “Tell Me Why” embraces layered harmonies reminiscent of ’60s pop.
The road to Bambi wasn’t without friction. Allen recalls a turbulent period when thoughts of leaving the band loomed large. Balancing education, personal relationships, and relentless touring took its toll, but the band’s collective resilience prevailed. “The idea of Bambi stuck with us,” Allen reflects, symbolizing not only a missed opportunity but also a hopeful reimagining.
The album concludes with “I’ll Be Around,” a track that celebrates enduring friendships. Allen describes it as “hopeful, loving, forgiving—looking forward.” This sentiment encapsulates Anxious’ journey: a band navigating the pressures of rapid success while staying true to the bonds that ground them.
With Bambi, Anxious redefines their trajectory, proving that growth and ambition don’t require sacrificing authenticity. The album promises to resonate deeply with those grappling with similar transitions, offering a mix of catharsis, complexity, and ultimately, connection.
Bambi is out February 21, 2024. Preorders are available now, and the band will support the release with a US headlining tour featuring Ultra Q and Stateside.
Upcoming Shows:
02/01 Boston, MA @ Something in the Way Fest
03/11 Philadelphia, PA @ Ukie Club *
03/12 Washington, DC @ Songbyrd *
03/13 Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall *
03/14 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle *
03/15 Atlanta, GA @ Aisle 5 *
03/16 Nashville, TN @ Drkmttr *
03/18 Dallas, TX @ Club Dada *
03/19 Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room *
03/21 Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge *
03/22 San Diego, CA @ Voodoo Room *
03/23 Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex *
03/25 San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar
03/28 Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall *
03/29 Seattle, WA @ Madam Lou’s *
03/31 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court *
04/02 Denver, CO @ Globe Hall *
04/05 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry *
04/06 Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge *
04/07 Hamtramck, MI @ Sanctuary Detroit *
04/08 Lakewood, OH @ Mahall’s *
04/10 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *
04/11 Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair *
* w/ Ultra Q, Stateside
