Artist: Chinese American Bear Album: Wah!!! Genre: Indie Pop Release Date: October 18th, 2024
Chinese American Bear, a Seattle-based duo comprising married musicians Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, has been steadily carving a niche in the indie pop scene with their unique fusion of Chinese mando-pop and Western indie sensibilities. Their sophomore album, Wah!!!, released on October 18, 2024, via Moshi Moshi Records, exemplifies this cross-cultural blend, offering a collection of tracks that seamlessly transition between English and Mandarin, capturing a spirit of joy and nostalgia.
The album opens with “Kids Go Down (孩子们的时光),” a track that practically dances its way through its runtime, capturing a childlike innocence that’s infectious. Throughout Wah!!!, there’s a carefree spirit that contrasts with subtle touches of complexity, from reflective themes in “Take Me To Beijing (一起回北京)” to the cheeky, upbeat celebration of food in “Yummy Yummy Yummy (好吃好吃).” These moments feel as much about honoring cultural roots as they are about creating a space where language and rhythm blend seamlessly.
The duo’s joyful approach and clever compositions, with tracks that echo psychedelia, funk, and even twee pop—often within the same song–is frisky and fresh without being corny. Fans praise Wah!!! for its catchy hooks and memorable refrains: “Chinese American Bear strikes that perfect balance between fun and introspection.” This interplay resonates especially well with those looking for indie pop that ventures outside traditional boundaries, inviting listeners to sing along in both languages.
Supporting Wah!!! with a North American tour, Chinese American Bear has amplified their reach with live shows that are as vibrant and quirky as the album itself. From Toronto to Los Angeles, audiences are met with costumed performers and props, adding a visual dimension that echoes the band’s playful aesthetic. It’s a touring strategy that’s more than just performing songs—it’s about fully immersing the crowd in their colorful world.
At a time when genre-blending and cross-cultural music are reshaping indie pop, Chinese American Bear is carving out a space that feels both inviting and distinctive. Their sound isn’t trying to fit neatly into a single category; it expands on what indie pop can be— sharing heritage, and keeping things unabashedly fun. With Wah!!!, they’ve struck a delightful balance, offering an album that feels like a joyful celebration of everything that makes them unique.
