Dear Anxious marks the beginning of a new album cycle while exemplifying the heart of the album conceptually in the most direct way. This is an album that is about both self-indictment and self-celebration. Perhaps an ordinarily cruel inner monologue turning itself around and learning the expressions of compassion. Come to appreciate your particular splendor because you're accountable to be splendid, Maxwell.
It started out with perhaps less noble origins.. I was inspired to write this kind of song after a friend wrote something similar she called "the fuck song." I wanted to write something like that: a song from the "get into your pants" archetype, but eventually realized that the pants I was trying to get into were the pants of my soul. In that way, it has very intimate and impassioned energy akin to what I associate with the Alternative Rock from the 90s and 00s I grew up with.
It may be the most direct song I've written in terms of form and accessibility, and that made it an ideal starting point as well. The lyrics are uplifting while still carrying an undercurrent of sternness and that was important. Some of the imagery has followed the song since its inception, but some of it was based on the language Polina used with me during the early prepro sessions while I was dialing in what I wanted these songs to say.
The notion of "wings" and "kingdom" come directly from her vernacular and I used them because they fit the narrative of me growing into this role as a leader within the bleeding disorders community and ultimately that is what this song is directly reflecting upon. I spent 2020 reacquainting myself with the Bleeding Disorders Community and in that process began to vie for its attention and I needed a firm reminder to myself that I am not owed their enthusiasm but must work for it.
lyrics
At your hand you command the power, should you ever choose to reframe all your pain as a better kind of truth
Get a clue, a tattoo, a lesson learned and there's the proof
Self-aware, now you care, you're on the hook so follow through!
Put your pride to the side and you might find the fortitude to defy prying eyes; it's no surprise they're trained on you.
Understand how to stand a Leo sun and Virgo moon
Set the mood, name the tune, lead the way, they'll follow you!
Don't deny what you have found
Build the Kingdom tall upon the blood and sound
Come around to the sound; it's calling homeward bound
Come around, come around, midfall, before you hit the ground
Come to learn, come to learn, come to learn with eyes anew
Come around to astound, now spread your wings and drop the 'tude!
It goes further than you know
Share your world, Dear Anxious, share and watch it grow
Lead the way, they'll follow
credits
released August 27, 2021
Written by Max Feinstein
Produced by Max Feinstein and Polina Antoni Kanin
Recorded at IIWII by Billy Perez
Vocals Recorded at World Alert Sounds by Jeff Jones The Jedi Master
Additional Overdubs Recorded at Silver Horse Sound by Max Feinstein and John Roccesano
Mixed at Hobo Sound by Sean Kelly
Mastered by Jake Sachs
Performances by:
Max Feinstein: Vocals, Guitars, Sound Design
Wilhelmus.! Sapanaro: Bass
Nick Potters: Keyboards
John Roccesano: Drums, Percussion
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