After the past year of hardship, negativity, and depression for all, Brandon Howard Roy is choosing to start off 2021 with a message of optimism and hope. His new song, “The Fear” chronicles Roy’s dealings with anxiety, and serves as a message of perseverance for anyone going through the same struggles.
“The Fear” is an interesting change of pace from his previous two singles, with bursting synth that would sound at home on a Passion Pit track. Though Roy’s vocals are distinctly his own, boasting all the range and dynamics that are to be expected, given his theatrical background.
“I can barely move my legs,” Roy sings in the chorus. “Oh, my legs won’t move.”
This is, in fact, an ironic line, because this song will definitely make you want to move your legs. Its dancey chorus is both a fitting backdrop for the optimism Roy is striving for but also a stark contrast to some of the more negative imagery he delves into. The moodier verses are reserved for scenes of missed opportunities and day-drinking.
Roy’s brand of optimism isn’t one that’s preached blindly. He acknowledges the hang-ups that can come with growth and recovery. Rather than treating anxiety and other mental health issues as hurdles to overcome, Howard chooses instead to acknowledge the lack of linearity in healing.
“I wrote this song as a reminder that it’s ok to be scared sometimes, that growing up is hard, and that mistakes are gonna be made along the way,” says Roy. “But it’s all a process, and the process is nothing to fear.”
“The Fear” is the final single off of Roy’s debut album, Tough Stuff, which is due for release on February 19th. With the handful of solid singles Roy already has under his belt, the rest of the album is sure to be just as compelling.