China Bears announce debut album and new single

Melodic yet anthemic four-piece China Bears announce their debut album ‘Participation Trophy’, released on 12th July 2024. Pre-order here. The first snippet of their album comes in the form of new single ‘Easy Kill’, out today. Listen here / watch the video here.

A bold yet wandering introduction to their debut album, ‘Easy Kill’ is equal parts muscular and moving, whilst also having an epic build, climbing to a peak that leaves you hooked.

“‘Easy Kill’ is a song about the initial hesitance that sometimes comes when letting others in, but ultimately celebrating vulnerability and being truly open around the people you care about,” explains Ivan (lead vocals/guitar). “To love and be loved by someone can put you in a terrifyingly defenseless place. ‘Easy Kill’ challenges that feeling, that it is in fact a beautiful experience when two people feel so connected and close to one another, so much so that they’re both willing to risk enduring the pain that may come with the absence from one another.”

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.

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.

The album is available to pre-order now in physical format (LP, CD, Cassette)

In celebration of their debut album, China Bears will be touring across the UK this October. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 28th February at 10am here. Full list of dates below:

UK LIVE DATES

29th February | Bar Brunel, Bridgwater (SXSW Fundraiser)
7th March | Snooker Club, Thame (SXSW Fundraiser)
8th March | Camden Assembly, London (supporting Neon Waltz)
11th – 16th March | SXSW Festival, Austin, Texas, USA