China Bears ‘Participation Trophy’ Album Review
In an era where authenticity in music is becoming something of a rarity, it’s nice to pick up an album which, from start to finish, feels so utterly genuine. ‘Participation Trophy’ just happens to be one of those albums. Reading lead singer Ivan Proctor describing ‘Participation Trophy’ as an album of hope, loss, grief, friendships and relationships, prepares you for an album that you know is going to tug at the heartstrings.
The debut album from the rising Somerset indie quartet, ‘Participation Trophy’ plays out exactly how Proctor describes it. Starting with the gentle, melancholic tones of “To Pull You Back”, the lead singers emotional words are delivered with painstaking honesty, a formula followed throughout the rest of the album. This insight into Proctor’s emotional journey continues through the raw “I Will Break My Own Heart” where the singer explores the joy and doubt he goes through.
“I Always Wish You Were Here (With Me)” is one of a number of gentler tracks where the softer mood of the songs is penetrated by Ivan’s almost tender vocals. China Bears follow this emotional insight with the more edgier “Total Communication Breakdown” a track which despite being a bit rockier, still sees their vocalist exploring another emotional relationship avenue this time exploring a theme of isolation.
It is this cathartic exploration of the emotions and feelings experienced through Proctor’s own relationships which take us right back to that feeling of authenticity which pours through the songs. Whether it’s grief, heartache, or joy, ‘Participation Trophy’ is an album which highlights China Bears frontman as someone who is rapidly becoming master at capturing those emotions down in words.
Like the lyrics the album switches from almost melancholic acceptance to joyous hope making this powerful display of emotional poetry one which will ring familiar with anyone who has been in a similar position.
‘Participation Trophy’ is out now through Fierce Panda Records and you can pick up your copy from here.
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