China Bears - “Statue Still”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…The National, Death Cab For Cutie, The Killers

China Bears’ sophomore EP Statue Still showcases an even tighter unit in terms of both songwriting and performing, a trio of single-quality tracks of dense, catchy, and anthemic indie rock. While not hitting you over the head, these songs are huge, building and shimmering guitar rock studied in 90s and 00s alt and indie rock. It’s truly surprising that China Bears aren’t more widely known given the accessibility and appeal of their sound - perhaps SXSW will offer a bit of that springboard for this exciting, fully-formed UK band. (Kevin McStravick)

2020 Review: China Bears’ form of indie rock balances moody soundscapes, alt country pastures, and building dynamics into a cohesive, serious sound across their 2019 debut EP I’ve Never Met Anyone Like You. The London-based quartet are able to pull off arena-rock grandeur (“Stay For Good”, “Cold Shivers”) without bursting, an approach that is noticeably honed with detailed precision. This pays off without ostentatiousness, allowing China Bears to open up in their more patient tracks like “Trick Myself” and emotive budder “Sunday”. It’s big but controlled, composed more with the mindset of a post-rock sound painter than a traditional pop songwriter.