CATBEAR, the alt-pop project of best friends Zoe and Sarah, is one of Rock the Pigeon’s favorite queer bands, and honestly, it is about time more people knew their name. Their album For Now, For Ever, which came out last October (2025), feels like a warm hug and a late-night heart-to-heart wrapped into one. It is intimate, emotional, and deeply affirming, the kind of record you put on when you are learning how to be kinder to yourself. The track, “It’s Okay”, is a straight-up empowering anthem of self-love and acceptance, especially for anyone navigating their queer identity. The message is simple but powerful, like someone finally saying the thing you needed to hear out loud: you are allowed to exist exactly as you are. Pulsating synths and hard-hitting drum beats bring serious heat to the track, creating this confident, driving energy that lets the vocals fully shine. When they sing “it’s okay, you made it, you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone,” it feels like a reminder you want to tape to your mirror. CATBEAR makes music for becoming yourself in real time, and For Now, For Ever feels like a soundtrack for growth, softness, and learning to believe that you are already enough.
“This song is about reaching a point where you stop apologising for yourself. It’s inspired by conversations about being queer in your late 30s and beyond – belonging, visibility, and being proud of the lives we’ve built. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to take up space, and to show the next generation that we’re still here, thriving.” – Zoe
Another standout from CATBEAR is their song “Darkness”, which slows things down and pulls you into this trancelike, late-night headspace. The pace is more restrained, but it feels intentional, like the song is gently hypnotizing you. A dark, heavy synth bass sits underneath everything while higher-frequency synths dance above it, weaving in these catchy, floating melodies that stick with you long after the song ends. The vocals are beautifully effected, almost blending into the synths themselves, making it feel like the voice is part of the atmosphere rather than sitting on top of it. There is something mysterious and magnetic about this track, ethereal and dreamy but also sensual and seductive in a quiet, confident way. Lines like “take another look into the darkness, you will find me” feel like an invitation, pulling the listener deeper into the song’s shadowy glow. “Darkness” is the kind of track you put on with headphones and let wash over you, fully losing yourself in its mood.
Listen to the record here:
We also wanted to take a moment to highlight one of our favorite CATBEAR songs, “Into the Light”, because the synth line alone deserves its own shoutout. It is just too damn hooky to ignore. The synths are absolutely the star of this track, driving the song forward and doing most of the emotional heavy lifting. There are only a few vocal moments, but every single one is a total earworm, perfectly weaving in and out of the synth lines in a way that feels effortless and intentional. The overall sound is warm, atmospheric, and comforting, like a hug from a very close friend when you need it most. This song is pure synthwave, all vibes, no filler. The sound feels massive and immersive, which makes it even more impressive knowing it is self-produced by CATBEAR out of their home studio in London. It is one of those tracks you put on and immediately feel wrapped up in, glowing from the inside out. Listen to it now:
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Written by Ryan Cassata
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