Connecticut’s Anxious throw us back to the golden era of early 2000s emo and pop-punk, but without feeling like a cheap imitation. From the very first track, Bambi is bursting with energy, melody, and a level of musicianship that makes it clear this band is a tight, well-rehearsed unit who’ve been playing together for years.

Bambi is loaded with suprising rhythmic turns, and soaring vocal harmonies with complexity. They’re not just standard four-chord bangers, but carefully constructed songs, with huge, infectious hooks. It’s also deeply nostalgic, as this record feels like it could have been lifted straight off the American Pie soundtracks. Counting Sheep has a chorus that could stand up with any great emo anthem from 20 years ago, and Jacy is full-throttle pop-punk energy balanced with irresistably fun doo-doo-doo harmonies. There’s a warmth throughout, a sense that these songs aren’t about moping or self-indulgence that emo is often mocked for, but about capturing the real unfiltered rush of youth.