China Bears release melodic new single 'Gracie'

Rising indie four-piece China Bears have today released their silky smooth new track ‘Gracie’ Listen here. The melodious banger is the fourth and final single from their highly-anticipated debut album ‘Participation Trophy’, out 12th July 2024. Pre-save here.

‘Gracie’ showcases the softer side, both musically and lyrically, of the album. The song boasts catchy, jangly guitar hooks and beautifully emotive lyrics. Speaking on the latest release, lead singer Ivan said: ‘Gracie’ was written out of appreciation to all my friends and loved ones who have helped prop me up at times when I’ve needed someone to lean on.”

“Everyone is an infinite amount of things” he continues, “during times of loss, fear, depression, and doubts, it’s easy to fixate on that, but “Gracie” sings that sometimes all we need is a friends perspective to pull us out of our own holes, I really hope everyone can picture their ‘Gracie’ when listening to this song, as I know my world would be a lot darker without mine.”

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: