Chinese American Bear’s sophomore album Wah!!!, set to release on October 18 via Moshi Moshi, is a vibrant blend of cross-cultural indie pop that offers a refreshing take on the genre. The Seattle-based duo, composed of married musicians Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, fuse elements of Chinese mando-pop with Western indie sensibilities, creating songs that seamlessly shift between English and Mandarin. The result is a collection of tracks that capture a sense of joy, nostalgia, and longing while never losing the playful energy that defines their sound.
Crafted over two years, Wah!!! is packed with infectious melodies and quirky charm. Written, produced, and mixed entirely by the duo in their Seattle home studio, the album feels intimate yet universally appealing. With its mix of rich instrumentation, psychedelic flourishes, and a razor-sharp pop sensibility, the 11 tracks radiate warmth and positivity, making it one of the most endearing indie pop releases of the year.
The latest preview of the album, “Kids Go Down 孩子们的时光,” perfectly encapsulates Chinese American Bear’s playful ethos. The track is an ode to the spirit of youth—carefree days of play and inevitable stumbles, all wrapped in an upbeat, danceable package. Drawing inspiration from a traditional Chinese nursery rhyme, the song’s lyrics are nonsensical and fun, bridging the cultural gap while offering a nod to listeners familiar with the rhyme. Tong describes the track as “bright, happy, child-like, and fun to dance to,” a perfect reflection of the duo’s ability to blend cultural influences with a universal sense of fun.
Wah!!! promises to be a delightful, cross-cultural indie pop gem that invites listeners to share in its joy and nostalgia.