Weekly Journal
CATBEAR - Carry On, new dark synthpop single from the UK based duo
"Carry On" by CATBEAR is a mesmerizing dive into dark pop territory, showcasing their signature blend of synthwave and post-punk influences.
"Carry On" opens with haunting synths that set a brooding atmosphere, drawing into an emotional soundscape. Vocal harmonies glide over the pulsating beats. Its darker undertones evoke a sense of introspection, perfectly aligning with the band’s signature brooding aesthetic.
The lyrics explore themes of resilience and perseverance, perfectly complementing the song's title. As the track progresses, it builds in intensity, echoing the vibes of their earlier hit, "In The Night." The production is polished yet raw, built on layers of complexity, making it both captivating and thought-provoking. As the third single of the year, it builds on the momentum from "Grow Up" and "Rush," solidifying CATBEAR’s place in the dark pop soundscape.
"Carry On" is a compelling prelude to their upcoming headline show, promising an engaging live experience.
"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.
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 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.
Info:
https://www.facebook.com/catbearmusic
https://instagram.com/CATBEARmusic
https://www.youtube.com/catbearmusic
https://soundcloud.com/catbearmusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VcMAUD65hHSitLhcbyjIS
