The collective anxiety of growing older without ever feeling older is at the heart of CATBEAR’s latest single, Grow Up. This synth-laden anthem captures the paradox of being “too young to have it all figured out” and “too old to still be lost.” From the sharp, post-punk rhythm section to the nostalgic darkwave vibe woven through its synths, Grow Up offers a glimpse into the scattered psyche of a generation living in permanent flux.
This track feels like a manifesto for millennials grappling with shattered expectations. CATBEAR creates a haunting soundscape that pairs jittery, frenetic beats with lyrics that exude millennial fatigue. The opening lines — “They were first up, leading face down / Overwhelmed us, with autonomy” — feel like a nod to the futile pursuit of autonomy in a world dominated by economic instability, tech dependence, and social dysfunction. It’s a shout into the void, tinged with resentment and confusion.
What stands out most about Grow Up is how CATBEAR taps into the darker side of millennial existence. The repetition of “I don’t wanna grow up anymore” echoes that Peter Pan syndrome so many of us feel as we stare down a life path littered with unattainable milestones. The references to phone addiction, AI-induced unemployment, and environmental collapse aren’t subtle, but they also don’t need to be. The song’s strength lies in its refusal to sugarcoat the situation — “We were sold a dream, it’s unachievable / We were told a lie and tried to believe in it.” It’s not cynical, CATBEAR insists, it’s just reality.
Sonically, Grow Up merges CATBEAR’s signature 80s synth-pop roots with a darker, moodier undercurrent, blending neon-lit optimism with post-punk pessimism. You could imagine this track sitting comfortably between a CHVRCHES banger and a New Order classic, but the band’s inclusion of riot grrrl energy makes it undeniably unique. The high-octane tempo keeps you dancing while the lyrics strike a chord of unease, as if inviting listeners to move through their frustration. It’s that contrast between movement and stagnation, between dancing away your problems and being too paralyzed by them to act, that makes Grow Up hit so hard.
There’s also something deeply personal about this track. It’s as if CATBEAR is speaking directly to the person who feels alienated in a hyper-connected world. We’ve all scrolled endlessly, absorbed by our own digital bubbles, desperate to achieve the unachievable — whether that’s a stable career, a mortgage, or simply a sense of belonging. The line “we’re obsessed with ourselves / and we lie to ourselves” captures this beautifully, calling out the constant loop of self-indulgence and self-doubt.
Yet, despite its heavy themes, there’s an undeniable playfulness in Grow Up. CATBEAR balances their existential dread with catchy melodies and a wink at their own struggles. You almost get the sense that they’re in on the joke of adulthood: we’re all just floundering together, aren’t we? It’s that relatability — that blend of humor, frustration, and defiance — that will undoubtedly resonate with their audience.
CATBEAR has been steadily rising in the indie music scene, having recently played the main stage at Bristol Pride alongside legends like The Human League and Ladytron. Their DIY approach to production, paired with a fiercely queer ethos, makes their music feel raw and grounded, even when it’s swimming in synths and electro beats. There’s a sense that their success isn’t just about making catchy music (although they do), but about creating something that speaks to the moment.
Ultimately, Grow Up is a testament to CATBEAR’s ability to encapsulate the struggles of a generation. It’s a song that both comforts and confronts, letting you know it’s okay to feel lost while also urging you to take a step back and acknowledge the absurdity of it all. After all, who really wants to grow up anyway?
