Chinese American band announces release of new album, “Dim Sum & Then Some”

Anne Tong and Bryce Barste make up the duo known as Chinese American Bear, where they have honed an indie pop sound over the course of an EP and two full-length albums. Their music is characterized by bilingual Mandarin/English lyrics, drawing on Barste’s influences from bands like MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Pond, and Sly Stone, as well as Tong’s background in classical piano and her love for pop music.

Their latest offering, Dim Sum & Then Some, delves into the personal and romantic aspects of Tong and Barste’s life together. Along with the album announcement comes the release of their single, “All The People (所有人)”, accompanied by a whimsical animated stop-motion music video directed by Barste.

Describing the track, Barste expresses his admiration for “All The People (所有人)”, highlighting its fun, light-hearted, and slightly eccentric nature. He views it as a song that resonates with everyone, incorporating fantasy elements both in its musical composition and lyrical content.

Tong delves deeper into the inspiration behind the song, revealing that the sounds of “All The People” sparked images of a fantastical realm with castles and fairies in her mind. This prompted her to craft lyrics that ventured into a realm of fantasy, a departure from their usual focus on food, Chinese culture, and everyday themes. Both Barste and Tong share a mutual love for fantasy genres, with Barste’s penchant for watching the Lord of the Rings films regularly and Tong’s recent interest in ‘Romantasy’ literature such as A Court of Thorns and Roses.

The tracklist for Dim Sum & Then Some includes a collection of songs that offer a glimpse into various aspects of Tong and Barste’s experiences and emotions. From the introductory piece to tracks like “I Wanna Go Home (我想回家)” and “Land of Fun (好玩的地方)”, each song provides a unique perspective on their intertwined lives and shared experiences.

Through their music, Chinese American Bear weaves together elements of their individual backgrounds, musical influences, and personal narrative to create a tapestry of sounds that reflects their creativity and emotional depth. In Dim Sum & Then Some, listeners can expect a blend of catchy melodies, evocative lyrics, and a touch of fantasy that sets their music apart within the indie pop landscape.