Originally formed in Somerset by twin brothers Ivan (lead vocals / guitar) and Frazer (lead guitar), the line up was completed after meeting James (bass) and Dean (drums) at university in Guildford. Whether it’s ripping apart the stage with their misery-anthemic indie or encapturing the room to pin drop silence singing their songs shoulder to shoulder amongst the crowd, China Bears have gained recognition for their emotive high energy and intimate performances.

After self-releasing three singles and touring extensively around the UK, China Bears teamed up with Fierce Panda Records and have since released three EPs. These have been championed by legendary radio broadcasters such as Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, earning them plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, Radio X and multiple live sessions for BBC 6 and BBC Introducing.

2022 was another big year for China Bears, starting with a headline UK tour in February which included a sold out show at the Lexington, London. The band then went on to make their American debut, performing at the prestigious SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Once back home the band immediately headed out on a UK tour supporting October Drift. This was then followed by a busy festival season which included performances at The Great Escape and Focus Wales, amongst others.

Their third EP ‘All That Distance’ was released in September via Fierce Panda Records and was celebrated with a 14 date UK headline tour, their biggest to date. From the south coast to Scotland, the tour included a show at Moth Club, London and finished off with a sold out show at Rough Trade, Bristol. The band rounded off the year with two unique full band stripped shows in December, including a performance at the renowned St Pancras Old Church in London.

China Bears enter 2023 continuing to support their latest EP with a UK tour in February and preparing for the recording of their debut album.


One of the most prolific sets of songwriters in the country" - Steve Lamacq, BBC 6

“could they do a snow patrol and go mega? It’s very possible you know” John Kennedy, Radio X

"The group sounds fully in command of a big, vibrant sound that calls on its influences — just about any anthemic indie-rock band of this century — while still sounding distinct." - NPR

“Their sound unfurls as a package of unfaltering songwriting with whispers of The National and Dry The River...Brimming with astute and sophisticated songwriting and enhanced by racing riffs and compelling percussion, it toes the line between thought-provoking and euphoric." - Gigwise