The Act: CHINA BEARS

The Release: ‘SUNDAY’

The Format: DIGITAL SINGLE

The Release Date: MAY 31ST 2019

The Digital Link: orcd.co/chinabears_sunday

The Truth: China Bears were formed in Somerset in 2015 by twin brothers Ivan (guitar / vox) and Frazer (guitar). The line-up was completed after meeting bassist James and drummer Dean at university in Guildford later that year. They have announced a free headline show at Hackney Sebright Arms on September 4th as per this link here: https://link.dice.fm/w0K6ztlWAX

‘Stay For Good’ was their barnstorming first single on fierce panda earlier in 2019 and the follow-up sees a suitably dramatic gear change as ‘Sunday’ slows the pace with its languid guitars and deadpan beats. At least until the stadium-sized lift-off occurs around two minutes and 29 seconds in…

While the pace may be down the creative passion remains undiminished, as guitarist Frazer candidly explains: “’Sunday’ was written about one particular Sunday afternoon. I had just moved away from home to university and had become extremely isolated and insecure in myself and my abilities, and on that day it was a little too much. I think everyone goes through that feeling at some stage, circumstances cause friendships and relationships to change and you can feel like people aren't there for you anymore.

“Like all of our work it's very honest and seems bleak but looking back I think it's quite hopeful. Its understanding I was struggling and being lucky enough to have someone there to confide in. I remember it being quite a quick writing process but it took a while with extensive sessions to get it sounding how it is now.”

And the way ‘Sunday’ sounds now is…well, pretty darned sensational: painstakingly intimate, but enormously approachable with a sublimely sub-hysterical hook which goes: “Good God it’s a Sunday afternoon / What are you doing on the kitchen floor again?” It’s like a proper old school emo classic by a properly humble band nodding sagely at The National, Dry The River, Frightened Rabbit and Snow Patrol, for China Bears create misery-strewn indie anthems combining ambient guitars, choral vocals and raw lyric writing, all of which is evinced by their splendid forthcoming summertime EP.

Happily China Bears have already self-released three slinky tracks, ‘Meet Me In London’, ‘Hydra’ and ‘Night Calls’, earning airplay from Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1, Steve Lamacq on BBC 6music, John Kennedy on Radio X and Melita Dennett via BBC Introducing in The South. Along the way they’ve had notable support slots with acts such as Genghar, The Districts, To Kill A King, The Howl & The Hum, Declan McKenna, The Big Moon and Blackwaters.

Recent live shenanigans have seen springtime appearances at Soma Fest, at the Social for fierce panda’s 25th birthday party, and at a packed showcase in the seaside chaos of The Great Escape. Next up come these shows here:

3rd July - Sofar sounds - London
5th July - Cornbury Festival
6th July - Big Bash - Dorking
13th July - Thame Festival
17th July - Sofar Sounds - London
20th July - Cheltenham - Frog and Fiddle
21st July - Westival - Aldershot
24th July - Cardiff - Tiny Rebel
25th July - Sofar Sounds - Colchester
26th July - Sofar Sounds - London
3rd August - Podymore Festival - Yeovil
18th August - WeyFest - Surrey
23rd August - Bridgwater - The Cobblestones
4th September - London - Sebright Arms (EP LAUNCH SHOW)
14th September - Cranleigh Folk Festival - Cranleigh
19th September - London - 100 club
27th Septmber - Basingstoke - The Loft

"A bunch of strong sounding melodies" Steve Lamacq, BBC 6music

"Such good song-writers" Melita Dennett, BBC Introducing South

"Brilliant, I wish I sounded like that at my stage of their career" Frank Turner

www.chinabears.co.uk

www.fiercepanda.co.uk