With Bambi, Anxious refines their pop-punk and alternative roots, expanding their sound into darker, more introspective territory. The album captures a band unafraid to evolve, weaving together raw emotion, layered instrumentation, and a heightened sense of maturity that sets it apart from their previous work.
From the opening moments, Never Said and Bambi’s Theme establish the album’s dynamic range, blending grungy guitars, raw screams, and eerie harmonies. The heavier, distorted riffs create an almost suffocating intensity, while moments of melodic respite add emotional weight, making each shift feel purposeful and gripping. The band leans into a more textured and atmospheric approach, allowing their influences—from classic 90s alternative to modern emo—to seep into every note.
Throughout the record, Anxious masterfully balances explosive energy with contemplative storytelling. Tracks like Some Girls and Counting Sheep highlight their ability to shift between acoustic-driven vulnerability and full-band intensity. This push-and-pull dynamic creates an ebb and flow that keeps the album feeling fresh and unpredictable. The hypnotic basslines and sharp, distorted guitars further amplify this effect, adding layers of depth and tension that make each track feel like a cathartic release.
The album’s emotional core shines on Audrey Go Again, a song that strips back the noise in favor of melancholic synths, soft acoustic guitars, and delicate harmonies. This track stands out as one of the most vulnerable moments on Bambi, offering a sense of fragility that lingers long after the final notes fade. The contrast is stark when placed alongside Head & Spine, a track that channels the band’s pop-punk roots with an added sense of urgency and emotional grit. The rapid-fire drumming and anthemic chorus inject a surge of energy, proving that Anxious can still deliver high-powered hooks while exploring deeper lyrical themes.
As Bambi winds down, the mood becomes even more immersive. Tell Me Why and Sunder lean into a brooding, melancholic atmosphere, carried by deep bass tones, hypnotic guitar lines, and aching vocal performances. These tracks showcase the band’s ability to craft emotionally resonant soundscapes without relying on traditional song structures. The closing track, Next Big Star, strips things down completely, offering a reflective and intimate finale. With just acoustic guitar and soft, yearning vocals, it serves as a poignant endnote, emphasizing the themes of nostalgia, growth, and self-doubt that run throughout the album.
With Bambi, Anxious pushes beyond their pop-punk foundation, embracing richer textures, deeper emotions, and a more expansive sonic palette. The mix of raw intensity and introspective beauty makes this album a compelling step forward, proving the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their core sound. By leaning into the shadows without losing their anthemic edge, Anxious has crafted a record that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
RATING: 9/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Some Girls
Counting Sheep
Audrey Go Again
Head & Spine
Jacy
I’ll Be Around