China Bamboo are a band from Brighton that BBC Radio 1’s Phill Taggert hailed as “Bubblegum Goth” and the release of their debut single “We’ve Discontinued” earned the band airplay on “BBC Introducing” alongside a number of successful gigs. “We are drawn to 80s’ music and fashion and this has naturally evolved in our sound and presentation”
On Friday November 6th, 2020 China Bamboo released their single ‘AMBIVALENCE (FOR YOU)’
The song’s origins can be traced back to A 16 year old Ruby who was experiencing the growing pains of adolescence. She found herself in a spiral of confusion and contradictory ideas and feelings – in a state of ‘Ambivalence’. Where the good was only ever temporary and the sadness was real. Disguising the song as a love song, she poured her heart into her keys and wrote the melancholy ‘Ambivalence’. Although the song was cathartic at the time, Ruby decided to leave it in the past.
Fast-forward a couple of years, and the newly formed China Bamboo are revisiting some of Ruby’s back catalogue for ideas. Band mate Danny came across the abandoned song and is struck by it’s sad yet hopeful lyrics. He wanted to give the song a renewed feel siting the importance of resonating chords captivating the emotion of the song. Ruby says, “Danny’s passion and new vision for the song was a turning point”.
The song begins with peaceful synth tones and steadily grows into a mellow but impactful beat. The adolescent and sweet voice plays perfectly into the dream-pop vibe. Simple layers of instrumentation maintain a solid tone that dramatically shifts into the patient chorus. The band plays with dynamics in a really nice bass driven breakdown that builds with a “Pixies” feel. They break into a perfectly produced chorus and end on a high note. We should be thankful that Ruby dusted off her old notebook, and for the insightfulness of her band to know what a great song this would make. You can listen to “Ambivalence (For You)” on our Prime Cuts Playlists and follow China Bamboo on the links below. Please continue to support artists like China Bamboo and share this music with everyone you know.
Categories: Experimental, Experimental - Electro, Pop
The Music Butcher 
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