It is 2 pm on a Friday when I find myself at a loose end, unsure of what to do with my evening. I check the gig listings to see if there might be a band I could go and see. That’s when I come across the name ‘China Bears.’ Intrigued not only by their name but also by the fact that they were playing at a venue I had heard much about but never visited—The Exchange—I decide to give them a listen. I play their incredible debut album *Participation Trophy* and, after only a few songs, find myself instantly becoming a fan. The album stays on repeat for the next few hours.
Later, I find myself standing outside The Exchange, talking to groups of people who had travelled a fair distance to see the band. Many had seen China Bears multiple times before and had nothing but the best things to say about their live performances. This only heightens my excitement for the night ahead.
At 8:45 pm, Ivan, Frazer, James, and Dean take to the stage and deliver a performance that still replays in my mind days later. Judging by the crowd—who filled The Exchange’s main room from the stage to the sound desk—the show has clearly stuck with them, too. I have rarely witnessed the crowd of a smaller band be so passionate, clinging to every heartfelt lyric and glorious, dreamy note coming from the stage.
The band played the vast majority of their debut album, *Participation Trophy*, and even included a few older songs such as ‘Someone Kill This Party’ and ‘Statue Still.’ It was an emotional set. Having listened to many of these songs earlier in the day, I found that their live performance made them shine even more.
With a sound I can only describe as “anthemic,” I can easily see this band playing at much larger venues in the future. Their songs reach new heights when performed live, and I highly recommend seeing them if you’re a fan of feeling cathartic at a show. The combination of the band’s energy, the deeply emotional lyrics, and the beautifully crafted melodies creates an unforgettable experience. If epic sing-along choruses and lullaby-like verses are your thing, this is the band for you.
The highlights of the night, for me, included songs like ‘I Will Break My Own Heart,’ ‘North Star,’ ‘Easy Kill,’ and, of course, the album’s title track, ‘Participation Trophy.’ During this song, singer/guitarist Ivan Proctor set aside his guitar to focus solely on singing, while his twin brother, lead guitarist Frazer Proctor, switched to the piano. The room was silent, only to erupt in cheers when the song ended—it was one of those moments that gives you chills.
In conclusion, I’m now a big fan of China Bears.
I am a self taught Photographer and an aspiring reviewer.
I have been in and out of bands for the past 15 years and some, so thought it only makes sense to stay in the scene that has been the most important aspect of my life since I can remember, live music.
Available for:
I am available for small gigs, larger concerts, recording sessions and festivals.
First attended gig:
The first proper gig that went to that I can actually remember was Muse supported by a then lesser known Elbow and I think the main reason I remember that is because it was the first big concert that I was allowed to go to with just my friends. Obviously Muse were fantastic by the way.
First gig shot:
Im pretty sure the first gig I shot was for a friends band at a local social club with some sort of £30 Argos camera. You can only imagine the fantastic quality of the shots.
Dream gig:
My dream gig to shoot would most definitely be either Tool, not just because they are amazing but their stage and lighting is magnificent. Or I would love to shoot another one of my favourite bands which is Explosions In The Sky and that’s just because they are incredible.
