Fairfield, Connecticut’s own Anxious is a force to be reckoned with. On their sophomore album, Bambi—out now via Run For Cover Records—the young East Coast quintet blends delicate emo sonics with blistering hardcore and sweltering pop-punk melodies. The 11-track record is nothing short of refreshing, an effortlessly timeless collection of songs.
Partly inspired by Panic! at the Disco’s 2005 record A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, Anxious offers exciting chaos and poised sentiments alike from their opening “Never Said” to the closer, “I’ll Be Around.”
Currently on their massive headlining tour with Ultra Q and Stateside, idobi Radio had the chance to catch up with lead vocalist Grady Allen to chat about their forthcoming festival spots, tour musings, and more.
You guys ended your 2024 by taking the BLissmas stage. What was it like to share a lineup with the likes of hardcore and metal vets such as Converge and Better Lovers? Any major takeaways from the Buffalo event?
BLissmas was cool. We don’t get to play Buffalo often, so it was fun to get to play there on such a stacked show. My favorite sets of the day were probably Fleshwater and Teenage Wrist. More than anything, I was just stoked to see some friends I hadn’t gotten to see in a while. Shout out to my friends in Militarie Gun and Autoignition.
What made “Never Said,” “Counting Sheep,” “Head & Spine,” and “Some Girls” stand out as the best singles to release to listeners ahead of the full LP?
I think those songs just felt the most representative of the entire record. I think those songs also represent different aspects of the record. “Counting Sheep” is the perfect middle ground of everything on the record. “Never Said” and “Head & Spine” represent the heavier side, and “Some Girls” is a softer and dancier track. We just wanted to pick songs that represent the full spectrum of the record.
In an interview with NPR, you shared that the album “feels like we’re the most authentic we’ve been.” What elements arose on this album that made you feel truly, unabashedly Anxious?
I think our willingness to try anything is what makes it feel like Anxious. Whenever we write, we try our best to never explicitly replicate or recreate a sound, a band, a scene, etc. A certain amount of that always feels like a conservative effort, and that’s just not us. We always want to be as eclectic as possible.
I’m calling it now, 2025 is the year of Anxious’ meteoric rise. You’re heading out to festivals including Jera On Air in the Netherlands for the first time. Are there any tracks from Bambi you’re most excited to play on the big stages?
I’m pretty excited to play all of them. “Counting Sheep” is up there, though. That’s a really fun song to play live.
You just kicked off your headlining spring tour with Ultra Q and Stateside ahead of your EU & UK summer tour. How did you prep for the tour? What is one thing you’ve learned to endure life on the road for months at a time?
This tour was a much different experience in terms of preparation. This is the longest set we’ve ever played, and it’s primarily new songs. So, in a lot of ways, it feels like touring for the first time again. We practiced for a straight month before we left, and it still feels like we’re getting the hang of it.
One thing I’ve learned: Tour is an exercise in consistency. Touring throws so much variability at you constantly. If you can have practices to keep you grounded—even if it’s just trying to eat consistently or consistently sleep—everything is a lot easier.
Grab your own copy of Bambi here and secure tickets for an upcoming Anxious show in a city near you here.
