On 2022 LP, ‘Little Green House’, Connecticut emo band Anxious were praised by numerous outlets (BrooklynVegan, Stereogum, Pitchfork) for its range of “inspired arrangements” and versatility. After releasing two follow-up singles, ‘Where You Been’ and ‘Sunsign’, the quintet have now returned with a new single titled ‘Down, Down’.
Blending 90’s alt-rock with hardcore grit and melodic emo, it’s an instant reminder of how great Anxious are, and could be. It also sees Grady Allen share vocal duties with Dante Melucci.
For Allen, the song sees him share his inner thoughts following a stressful time for Anxious. “‘Down, Down’ is a song that focuses on exhaustion and the repercussions that emotions can have on those closest to you. The last two years have been incredibly strenuous on Anxious. We have toured nonstop, tried to keep up with writing new music, all the while trying to maintain at-home relationships and other personal goals,” Grady explained to Stereogum.
He continues: “At a point, it just begins to feel like too much. Around this time last year, I began coming to terms with these emotions and started wondering whether Anxious was what I needed currently. Having that internal dialogue is stressful — but it came from a genuine place. Where it gets complex, though, is once you have to share those feelings with your bandmates, your friends. Then you’re faced with anger, frustration, and feelings of betrayal — all for emotions that are ultimately out of your control. The song is about having those conversations and deliberating over whether your emotions are relevant or ultimately out of touch.”
The release comes as Anxious are about to kick off a North American tour supporting The Wonder Years.