China Bears Share Total Communication Breakdown

Rising indie four-piece China Bears have released their vibrant new single Total Communication Breakdown. The lively indie anthem is the third offering from their highly-anticipated debut album Participation Trophy, out 12th July 2024 via Fierce Panda Records. Total Communication Breakdown is a punchy, energetic indie gem. The song boasts a typically anthemic feel with rousing, guitar-led melodies and a powerful, catchy chorus making it a track that will leave a lasting impression.

China Bears

China Bears (Rob Blackham/Blackham Images)

“This is the last song we wrote for the album,” explained lead singer Ivan Proctor, “listening through the album demos we felt like we were missing a pure cathartic rock-esque track. With refining from producer Rod Jones (Idlewild), we came out with Total Communication Breakdown.”

Speaking further on the track, he said “This song really magnifies the moments of isolation you go through during the initial stages of separation with someone, fighting every urge to not reach out to them, but also coming to terms with them not reaching out to you. Sometimes it can be really hard to see yourself coming out better off the other side in matters like these. We’ve been playing this song at our recent live shows and it’s been such a fun track to play to get everyone going.

Originally formed in Somerset by twin brothers Ivan (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.

Check out the video for Total Communication Breakdown below:

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 Live 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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