Live review: China Bears at Cavern

Jake Avery, Music Editor, reviews the second date of their UK headline tour

complex feelings can be expressed through tender vocal lines without losing any of the emotional release.

Lead guitarist and twin brother to Ivan, Frazer, exhibited an excellent sway over the guitar, bringing flushes of cool-tempered strokes throughout the performance; the interplay between each brother’s melodic work was perfect, with each part being equally as integral to forming an enriching tapestry of both tranquil melodies and electric motifs.

WHEN it comes to moving a crowd, China Bears summon an audience response that bursts with catharsis and joy. An excellent set graced Cavern on 10th February as the Guildford-formed band provided an eclectic mix of introspective songs, many being from their brilliant latest EP, All That Distance Frontman Ivan charmed the audience with his earnest vocal delivery, an attribute that serves as the core of China Bears’ emotionally resonant sound. He expertly navigated through lyrical lines that pour with themes ranging from longing for a lover to processing one’s own insecurities — both topics that are elevated by a gentle and yet charged performance. The chorus of ‘I’m Not Eating Like I Used To’ was a particularly inspiring showcase of how

James Zealey’s basslines were engag- maintained by all members of the band were impeccable; each track rippled and swelled effortlessly, and in a manner that could only have been achieved by a group of individuals who have dedicated not only the time to honing their craft — but most importantly, their ability to converse with and work effectively alongside their fellow bandmates. instrument; this versatility shone through undeniably brightly throughout their Cavern performance. Sprinkled into the set was a new track from the band’s upcoming debut LP, a captivating taste of what’s coming soon from a band that have developed a robust sense of identity and firm grip on melody before they’ve even released a full length LP. ing and prominent throughout the set also — tracks such as ‘Coming of Age’ feature basslines that bloom with zeal, and the sound mixing throughout the set in conjunction with Zealey’s excellent rhythmic control over the instrument allowed the bass to further flourish.

Keeping all of this on track was Dean’s drumming, a component that remained dynamic and clear. The composure and balance

Further enhancing the textural richness of the set were two extra touring members, with session musicians Jonny Elstone on keyboard and Curtis providing a horn section that contributed an extra emotionally charged punch to the climaxes of various tracks. These extra dimensions brought even more potency to the delivery of each song, but not at the expense of clarity. One of the tenets of what makes China Bears such a brilliant live act are the vocal capabilities of all members of the band; vocal harmonies between Ivan and Frazer are supplemenented monumentally by the interplay between drummer Dean and James. All of this reaches an apex with the final song ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone Like You’ (a performance demanded by the audience after the band initially closed their set) as China Bears gathered in a circle at the center of the crowd for an incredibly hypnotic acapella rendition of the track. The connection between each member’s vocals was superb, and there was a tangible excitement in the air as the audience raised their phone lights.

Having studied songwriting and music degrees together at university, each member also excels outside of their respective