Brighton and South London-based duo CATBEAR are set to release their latest single, “Carry On,” on October 18th, just a week before their much-anticipated headline show at Rough Trade, Bristol. The band, known for their enigmatic blend of synthpop, alt-pop, indie pop, popwave, and post-punk, continues to captivate listeners with their compelling and emotive sound.
“Carry On” marks the third single from CATBEAR this year, following the release of “Grow Up” and “Rush.” This new track sees the duo delve deeper into a darker, more brooding soundscape, evoking the atmospheric darkwave tones that recall the intensity of their breakout hit, “In The Night.” The track opens with the spoken words of Zoe and Sarah, overlapping with ghostly phrases, culminating in a glimmer of hope – “we can believe in ‘this time’ once more”. The intro then explodes into a deceptively sombre verse, anchored by a pulsating bassline and ethereal vocals from Zoe, with lyrics recalling past losses and failure. As the song builds, it transitions into a defiantly impassioned chorus, affirming themes of perseverance and resilience. “Carry On” is a song that could easily find itself on the soundtrack of a late-night journey—a track that conjures the moodiness of the film Drive with its atmospheric synths and haunting melodies.
At its core, “Carry On” is a reflection on resilience. The lyrics, rich with imagery and emotion, explore themes of overcoming adversity and pushing through life’s challenges. The refrain, “For all we’ve done and what we’ve lost before / We will carry on,” serves as both a mantra and a call to arms—a reminder of the strength required to face the unknown. The track’s dark, emotive layers and powerful synth-driven beats make it an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of the world but choses to keep moving forward.
“This song is about finding the strength to keep going, even when it feels like everything is against you,” says Zoe, one half of CATBEAR. “We wanted to create something that felt both powerful and mysterious, something that would resonate with people who are navigating their own personal battles. ‘Carry On’ is a testament to that spirit of persistence.”
As CATBEAR continue to build momentum, they show no signs of slowing down. They are currently hard at work in the studio, crafting new music for their upcoming album set for release in 2025. The band will take to the stage twice more this year, with a gig lined up at OSLO in Hackney, London on 12th October before their Bristol show on 25th October. These performances promise to showcase CATBEAR’s evolving sound and provide a glimpse into the next chapter of their musical journey.
Since their inception in 2018, CATBEAR have carved out a distinct niche with their fiercely DIY approach and self-produced tracks, amassing over 2.1 million streams on Spotify alone. Their music has been championed by key tastemakers such as BBC Introducing, Clash Magazine, Amazing Radio, DIVA Magazine, CLOUT, Loud Women, and Get in Her Ears, with airplay and interviews reaching audiences from Mexico to South Africa to Australia.
Their live performances have seen them share stages with the likes of Georgia, Ladytron, and The Human League at the main stage of Bristol Pride Festival, and join indie rock royalty The Subways on a UK tour. CATBEAR’s previous releases have garnered widespread support from platforms like Spotify, VEVO, YouTube Music, and Apple Music.
With their eclectic mix of 80s synth-poptimism, 90s riot grrrl spirit, and 00s post-punk revival energy, CATBEAR’s music resonates with a generation that’s familiar with the struggles of modern life yet remains hopeful for a brighter future. Often exploring LGBTQ+ life, millennial disillusionment, and the trials of adulthood, their songs strike a chord with listeners across the globe.
CATBEAR’s new single “Carry On” is set to release on October 18th. Keep an eye on the duo as they continue to redefine the indie pop landscape with their innovative sound and relentless drive.
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