China Bears Find Their North Star

Rising indie four-piece China Bears have released their anthemic new single North Star. The rousing, yet melodious banger is the second offering from their highly-anticipated debut album Participation Trophy, dropping on12th July via Fierce Panda Records.

China Bears

China Bears (Press)

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 Proctor says “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.”

Check out the video for North Star below:

Originally formed in Somerset by twin brothers Ivan Proctor (vocals, guitar) and Frazer Proctor (lead guitar), the China Bears line up was completed after meeting James Zealey (bass) and Dean McCaw (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:

Upcoming UK tour dates:

OCTOBER
1st – Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield
2nd – Head of Steam, Newcastle
3rd – Broadcast, Glasgow
4th – Off The Square, Manchester
5th – Voodoo Daddy’s, Norwich
8th – Bodega, Nottingham
9th – Hare & Hounds 2, Birmingham
10th – Oslo, London
11th – The Exchange, Bristol

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