RELEASE POWERFUL NEW SINGLE
‘NORTH STAR’
LISTEN HERE | WATCH VIDEO HERE
TAKEN FROM THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEBUT ALBUM ‘PARTICIPATION TROPHY’ – OUT 12TH JULY
NINE DATE UK HEADLINE TOUR ANNOUNCED
FOR OCTOBER 2024
“One of the most prolific sets of songwriters in the country” – Steve Lamacq, BBC 6
“Could they do a snow patrol and go mega? It’s very possible you know” – John Kennedy, Radio X
Rising indie four-piece China Bears have today released their anthemic new single ‘North Star’, Listen here. The rousing, yet melodious banger is the second offering from their highly-anticipated debut album ‘Participation Trophy’, out 12th July 2024 via Fierce Panda Records. Pre-save here.
‘North Star’ opens with the gentle strumming of guitar, combining beautifully with Ivan’s raspy, melodic vocals. The track then starts to build, with the help of a layered euphoric synth, before erupting raucously into an epic chorus and finale… “If I follow the North Star, Would you meet me there?” he sings.
Speaking on the track, lead singer Ivan said “The writing of ‘North Star’ was a purely cathartic process. Initially a song about dealing with grief and loss, it transcended into hope and following your heart. Without trying to sound too morbid, time isn’t always a given, but if you’re spending it chasing your passions and ambitions, surrounded by those who make you feel alive, then maybe it’ll be okay after all.”
Originally formed in Somerset by twin brothers Ivan (vocals, guitar) and Frazer (lead guitar), the China Bears line up was completed after meeting James (bass) and Dean (drums) at university in Guildford.
If melodic diligence counts for anything, China Bears are masters of their arty leftfield craft. Through a series of terrific tours and exquisitely-balanced EP releases ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone Like You’, ‘Statue Still’ and ‘All That Distance’, they have displayed an innate ability to blend the alt.rock rush with the acoustic hush.
Rousing and romantic, debut album ‘Participation Trophy’ feels cinematic in its grandeur, whilst also feeling incredibly personal in its storytelling. It was recorded in the autumnal sunshine of Leith with Rod Jones from Idlewild at the production controls. From the driving ‘I Will Break My Own Heart’, the twinkling ‘Beck and Call’, the electric force of ‘Total Communication Breakdown’ to the blossoming ‘Gracie’, there is a song to accompany everyone’s own life soundtrack. The album is available to pre-order now in physical format (LP, CD, Cassette) here
Whether it’s ripping apart the stage with their misery-anthemic indie or captivating the room to pin drop silence singing their songs shoulder to shoulder in the middle of the crowd, China Bears have gained recognition for their emotive high energy and intimate performances which have drawn knowing comparisons to The National, Death Cab For Cutie and Frightened Rabbit.
China Bears will be touring the UK this October, playing nine headline shows across the country. The tour will see them play venues in Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, Norwich, Nottingham, Birmingham, London and Bristol. Tickets here. Full list of dates below:
UK LIVE DATES
1st October | Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield
2nd October | Head of Steam, Newcastle
3rd October | Broadcast, Glasgow
4th October | Off The Square, Manchester
5th October | Voodoo Daddy’s, Norwich
8th October | Bodega, Nottingham
9th October | Hare & Hounds 2, Birmingham
10th October | Oslo, London
11th October | The Exchange, Bristol
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