bite - kite thief single review

British rockers, KITE THIEF’s new single is energetic with a punch of metal that will hype up your day. metalcore pumped UP with catchy poppy vocals have RETURNED for their latest single ‘BITE’, a kick back against those who drain the best part of ourselves THROUGH manipulation within toxic relationships. 

“A reminder that sometimes the most dangerous thing in your life isn’t what you expect - the one you call your ‘love’ may also be the thing you let feed off your soul.”

KITE THIEF have been ABOUT since 2019, and have come a long way since their ‘PINKY PROMISE’ single. THEY sound far more polished and further definING their genre. Really BY capitalisING on their pop-metal sound, maintaining upbeat, boppy riffs and refinING their vocalis. 

BITE SINGLE ARTWORK

KITE THIEF hit dynamics in their songs, from rich guitar and relentless drums, to mellow sections, all bathed in rich, commanding vocals to breathy, ethereal tones. ‘BITE’ is no exception, quiet electronic drum beat sections cut into with aggressive, djenty-like guitars. 

Guitarists MAX HARRIS and JOSH BAILEY have an awesome balance of the opening section running for a few bars, then changing to a sharper octave and lead line. They rest for a few bars, before coming into something a bit more subtle, and I think letting them fall away frequently stretches the hooks further apart, and makes them super satisfying when they come back. Much the same way the chorus is catchy, so you kind of hang out for it AGAIN.

the drumming changes with the lead lines as well, though I am unsure if it is just the density of sound and genre, I do think the drums could have had a slightly larger PRESENSE - but as the partner of a drummer, I’m trained to listen for it a lot, and they still stand strong within the mix.

Seeing more women enter the metal scene with their

own flavour of vocals is something I always want to see more of. ‘BITE’ is powerful, vocalist ELIN ALLAN’s dynamics are very sweet, ranging from high end breathy vocals to smooth mid range tones, and dips her toes into something a little tougher. Unlike some other songs (ie ‘THE TIDE’) she use her lower register, which I feel is where she shines the most. with This iN mind, I understand the choice to take a different vocal approach to this single, and I think in EP or album context, it will make ‘BITE’ stand out more as a hero single. 

All in all, ‘BITE’ is fun and catchy with upbeat tones, with aggressive sections to remind you are in their domain. This is a really strong release, and their second single of 2025, so I am hoping it is the lead into another EP or a full album. With the well deserved rise of female fronted acts, KITE THIEF is certainly one to keep tabs on - if for no other reason than to say you liked them before it was cool.

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