Not dangerous at all, just sweet and charming. Seattle-based DIY mando-pop duo Chinese American Bear—Anne Tong and Bryce Bartsen—let the sun shine through their sophomore album Wah!!!, which in the flowery kingdom means ‘Wow!’, a fitting title—the eleven songs here are quite surprising. It’s a tasty treat of jangly guitars and sun-kissed synths, with infectious la-la-la harmonies and vocals that ooze fun, thanks in no small part to the quirky lyrics, as you expect from song titles like Yummy Yummy Yummy (好吃好吃), Feelin’ Fuzzy (毛绒绒的感觉), Pink Strawberries (粉红草莓) and Bear Day (熊的日子), and more than a few references to China. This is feel-good music with the scent of bubblegum.

Wah!!!, written, performed, produced and mixed by Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, is out digitally and on limited edition strawberry pink vinyl LP through Moshi Moshi.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Chinese American Bear || Discogs