Connecticut punk band Anxious have unveiled their latest single, “Head & Spine,” from their forthcoming sophomore album Bambi, set to release on February 21 via Run For Cover Records. Alongside the new track, the band has announced a US headlining tour with support from Ultra Q and Stateside.
“Head & Spine” is probably one of my favorite songs on the whole record, vocalist Grady Allen shared. The whole song came together over months just riff by riff. It felt kind of unclear exactly where the song was going to land. There’s all of these sort of disjointed pieces—we were trying to pull from Blink-182’s Untitled, some Smashing Pumpkins—even the bridge is this dramatic thing we wouldn’t typically do. All together I think it really works though.
The song delves into the challenges of navigating negativity within subcultures. Lyrically, the song focuses on being unable to separate myself from the words of people who have no interest in anything but being unkind and cruel, Allen explained. Existing in subculture, there’s this weird sort of passive acceptance (and even green lighting) towards people who just seem to want to inflict pain. And what’s worse, it feels like no one can just be real about it. It’s always dressed up as ‘well they’re just being witty’ or ‘it’s just their opinion.’ But that’s just an easy, lazy out.
Bambi follows the band’s acclaimed 2022 debut album, Little Green House, which garnered praise from outlets like Pitchfork, Stereogum, The FADER, Paste Magazine, and BrooklynVegan. The new album sees Anxious embracing a broader alternative rock sound while retaining their hardcore roots and emo dynamism. Produced, engineered, and mixed by Brett Romnes (The Movielife, Front Bottoms, Oso Oso) at The Barber Shop Studios, Bambi is described as a record of meticulously arranged, ultra-dynamic music that’s perfectly tailored to pack a huge musical and emotional punch.
The lead single from Bambi, “Counting Sheep,” received accolades from Stereogum, BrooklynVegan, Uproxx, and Alt Press, among others. The album is noted for its ambitious sound, drawing influences from bands like Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, The Smashing Pumpkins, and even The Beach Boys, while still maintaining Anxious’s distinct identity.
Lyrically, the album explores the complexities of leaving adolescence behind, touching on themes of breakups, burnouts, and the challenges of entering adulthood—all intensified by the realities of being in a rapidly rising band and extensive touring over two years.
Anxious’s upcoming US tour dates are listed below, with Ultra Q and Stateside joining as support:
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 *
* with Ultra Q and Stateside
Anxious consists of vocalist Grady Allen, guitarist and co-vocalist Dante Melucci, drummer Jonny Camner, bassist Sam Allen, and guitarist Tommy Harte. The band reflects on the creation of Bambi as a period of significant growth. The idea that Bambi should have been the band name sort of turned into this sentiment that got carried onto the LP, Allen noted. Bambi is the band we could have been, that I want us to be—and I think the record is that.
The album represents a pivotal moment for Anxious, as they navigate the challenges of rapid success and personal growth. Bambi is the sound of Anxious putting everything on the line—and coming out on the other side better than ever, reads a statement from the band.
