Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Hold on to your hats, rock fans, because U.S. rock band, ‘THE BITES’ are about to unleash a sonic storm that’ll have you headbanging in ecstasy! Hailing from the gritty streets of Los Angeles, these hard rock titans have just dropped their debut album, “The Squeeze,”, in July this year, on Earache Records, and trust me, it’s the adrenaline shot your playlist has been begging for.
It’s an explosion of raw energy, a sonic cocktail that’s equal parts hard-hitting riffs, soulful vocals, and a rhythm section that’ll make your heart race. They bring their Rock n Roll train to Rock City as the penultimate night of their “Knockin’ On The UK” fall tour.
But before we get to see this long awaited 5-some let’s have a look at the undercard. The support tonight has been a name I’ve been looking for since I knew ‘The Bites’ were coming to Nottingham. It’s been an undercard that seemed elusive and, tonight, stood in front of the stage we soon find out why.
It’s a local two-piece band that formed back in 2011 and have been playing locally since, to great reviews I might add. Oh yes, the name, ‘WHISKY STAIN’ spelt the Scottish way. There is some general chatter as the intimate ‘BETA’ venue fills up, you know the one, tucked under the stairs that lead up to the main hall.
As we wait patiently there is a charge of anticipation circulating around Rock City Beta, this erupts into gleeful applause and cheers as the beaming, Nottingham-based dynamo, Whisky Stain, take to the stage, they are a last-minute addition, to open for Hollywood giants, The Bites. The crowd, unaware of what was about to hit them, settle back but are hit with a set of blues-drenched riffs, hymn-crushing hooks, and a mean blast of bone-crushing drums, the meat and bones of which catch all of us off guard.
The duo, consisting of guitarist Robert Lavington and drummer Luke Grainger, waste no time in establishing their sonic territory. Influenced by the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Keys, Daft Punk, AC/DC, and The Deftones, Whisky Stain unleashed a musical amalgamation that was as gritty as it was electrifying.
We get told during the set that Dean Jackson from the BBC had recommended them, they have received airtime on his radio station recently, they gratefully say thanks to him for doing so—a testament to their rising presence in the music scene. The quick history of the band reveal a 2018, 4 track EP entitled ‘Time Waits for No Man’ and a string of singles, each date marking a milestone in their journey.
They got the call for the Rock City Beta performance at 4 PM, just hours before the 7:30 PM set. The pressure was on, but Whisky Stain embraced it, ready to deliver a performance that would etch their name into the memories of those present.
As the stage lights dimmed, Robert Lavington, a frenetic force on the guitar, dances across the stage like a supercharged Duracell bunny. The set kicking off with a humble bit of banter before diving headfirst into ‘Flicker Show,’ a dirty, distorted opener that lets everyone know this is no pub band.
‘New Cocaine’ quickly follows, introduced as three of Roberts favourite things in life. The distorted guitar, has a nails-down-the-blackboard quality to it, it seamlessly intertwines with the thundering kick drum, courtesy of the ever-smiling Luke Grainger, who seems perfectly content behind his drum kit.
‘I Can’t Be Your Love’ continues the devilish onslaught, with Robert dad-dancing antics adding a layer of infectious energy to the performance. Wrapping up the song, Robert, in need of a breather, humorously mentions his impending visit to the gym before asking Luke what he’d like to play next. The duo settled on ‘Human Touch’ from 2018, a track characterized by a slightly slower pace and a guitar sound that was both resonant and soul destroying.
‘If You Will Remember Me’ sees the crowd enthusiastically shouting back their promise to remember the band. During this one, Robert steps back from the mic, letting the power of his voice soar, captivating everyone in the venue. The crowd was undeniably having a great night, feeding off the infectious growling, snarling beat emanating from the stage.
The journey through Whisky Stain’s discography continues with ‘The Lords Revolver’ from 2015, featuring an extended tom beat intro from Luke as Robert switches from a 6-string to a 4-string guitar. What followed was a nasty, spitfire performance that leaves the crowd impressed. Banter, again, flowed freely, with the audience responding with compliments like “You’re not bad at all” and “You’re a lot better than average.” Robert, in his pork-pie-style hat, responded with witty retorts, creating a memorable exchange that added to the overall enjoyment of the evening.
‘Hellfire’ maintains the onslaught with a bluesy Southern rock sound, featuring nasty bass riffage and thundering drums—a sonic chainsaw in a birthday cake if you like. The set concludes all too quickly with the 2016 single ‘Denial,’ a rip-snorting, gnarling tune with false endings that kept the crowd on their toes until the very last note.
As the final chords resonated through the venue, Robert takes a moment to announce that Whisky Stain would be headlining at Rock City on March 8th, 2024. He expressed the hope of seeing familiar faces, sealing the promise of another night of unforgettable music.
Whisky Stain’s opening set at Rock City Beta was nothing short of a sonic rollercoaster. The crowd were treated to a whirlwind of dirty blues, obscene rock, and infectious energy, leaving them eagerly anticipating the band’s future performances. Whisky Stain had just opened for The Bites—and in doing so, had carved out their space in the spotlight, and their headline show in March was already marked as a must-attend event.
The band have asked me to include this for those wishing to see them play next march.
https://www.seetickets.com/event/whisky-stain/beta-rock-city/2854961
So, while the crew and Whisky Stain quickly clear the stage ready for the headliners let’s have a bit of a look at who they are, as previously mentioned, they are over from the U.S.of A. on their “Knocking on the UK “ tour. With only Blackpool to play before heading home. The tour has been somewhat of a success.
So, let me introduce you to the maestros behind this sonic onslaught. Jordan Tyler takes the helm as the voice of The Bites, and oh, what a voice it is. Imagine the gravelly grit of classic rock legends, fused with a modern edge that cuts through the noise. His stage presence is a force to be reckoned with, drawing you into the heart of The Bites’ sonic universe.
Backing him up, we’ve got the rhythmic wizardry of Mark Hylander on drums, the dynamic duo of Dustin Coon and Jono Richer on guitars, and the low-end groove master, Zach Currier, on bass. Together, they’re a musical powerhouse, a tight-knit unit that knows how to hit all the right notes and leave you craving more.
The Bites didn’t just materialize out of thin air; they cut their teeth in the vibrant club scene of L.A. The dimly lit stages, the sweat-soaked crowds—these are the proving grounds where The Bites honed their craft. Their energy is infectious, their sound undeniable, and their fan base? Well, let’s just say it’s a devoted army of rock enthusiasts who are ready to follow them into the sonic abyss.
But that’s not all, folks. The Bites have been handpicked to play Stonedead 2024 by the legendary Chris Sumby, the mastermind who brought us the unforgettable ‘Deraps’ in 2023. It’s yet another testament to their rising star in the rock world.
Musically, they are a tour de force. Their appeal lies in their ability to seamlessly blend hard-hitting rock with melodic hooks, creating a sound that’s both headbang-worthy and emotionally resonant. “The Squeeze” is not just an album; it’s a statement—a declaration that The Bites are here to leave their mark on the world of hard rock.
So, strap in, turn up the volume, and let The Bites take you on a wild ride through the realms of American hard rock. “The Squeeze” is just the beginning, and trust me, you’ll want to be there for the entire exhilarating journey.
So now we’ve had a bit about their background now it’s onto the fun part, hearing the band playing Live, here in Rock City’s Beta venue, which has now turned into a sonic battleground as this L.A. rock band storm the stage, erupting into the gritty resonance of “Knockin’ on the Door,” from the debut album. The smaller confines of the venue only heightening the intensity of their performance, and in doing so, create an intimate connection between the band and the eager crowd.
“Squeeze” follows suit, a relentless assault of raw energy that showcase the band’s prowess. The lead singer, Jordan Tyler, clad in rock ‘n’ roll threads that scream rebellion, commands the stage with a voice that echoes through the venue’s walls. The guitars roar in unison, a tribute to the band’s cohesive sound.
“Dirty City” brings a sonic storm, the thundering drums resonating through the small venue like a heartbeat, setting the rhythm for an electrifying night. The unexpected twist of a Black Sabbath cover, “War Pigs,” transports the crowd to a heavier realm, paying homage to the legends while infusing their unique flavour, oh and yes, the crowd sang along in full force. Without missing a beat, the band effortless switch into “Fire,” a Jimi Hendrix Experience cover that ignites the venue. The two-guitar interplay during this number was a highlight, a harmonious dance between strings that captivated the audience. It was a moment that showcased the band’s musical dexterity and love for the classics.
“Love Affair” and “Wild Animal” seamlessly transports the crowd through the band’s discography, each song a chapter from their sonic journey. The anthemic “Bad Bad” and “Good Love” have the audience, who know the words, singing along, more proof to the band’s ability to craft catchy tunes without sacrificing their gritty edge. The bands interplay show’s that they are experienced in delivering the goods, screaming guitars and equally screaming faces play out theatrically as each note has its very being squeezed out of it.
“Cold Clean Lady” and “Heather Leather” delve further into the band’s signature style, a fusion of blues-infused rock that oozes authenticity. Headband wearing Mark Hylander, hidden away in the back, and his thunderous beats, slam out the concussive heartbeat of the performance, driving the momentum and keeping the crowd in a perpetual state of rhythmic ecstasy.
“Do Me a Favour” (spelt correctly) ends with band introductions before going into a jaw-dropping drum solo, from Mark Hylander, unleashing a torrent of beats and stick tricks on a simple one up one down kit, that echoes throughout the venue. Full of single and double stick rolls, flams and diddle-de-dums, the grooves flying from his hands and feet build to a climactic finish before the band seamlessly transition into the final anthem, “Pretty Boys.” Another down n dirty riot of a song that has the band all over the stage enjoying the crowd who haven’t kept still since they came on stage. The crowd erupt in ecstatic applause, at the set’s conclusion, not wanting them to leave, their appreciation echoing in this intimate ‘party’ space.
The band’s style, a perfect marriage of rebellion and musical mastery, mirrored in their look— Jeans and Band tee-shirts, is rock ‘n’ roll personified. The set’s culmination highlighted that tonight was not just a gig but a visceral experience, an immersion into the sonic world of this L.A. rock band, transporting us back to the halcyon days of 80’s rock. As the final notes of “Pretty Boys” resonated, the smaller venue seemed too big to contain the energy and excitement that lingered in the air, an indicator to a night were live music, once again, reigned supreme in the heart of Rock City.
I’m already looking forward to Stonedead 2024 to catch this band again and to see what 5000 music fans think of this great party band. The Bites have not just knocked on the UK—they’ve kicked the door wide open, and their sonic legacy is here to stay.
