Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM
Quarter of a century. Let that sink in for a moment. Twenty-five years since four young Canadian women from London, Ontario burst onto the metal scene like a Molotov cocktail through a church window, delivering their landmark debut Spit and forever altering the landscape of heavy music. Now, in 2025, Kittie return to celebrate this milestone with Spit XXV, a four-track EP that serves as both nostalgic reverence and contemporary reinvention.
Following their triumphant 2024 comeback album Fire – their first new material in 13 years – Morgan Lander and company have reunited with original producer Garth Richardson to reimagine four cornerstone tracks from their debut. The result is nothing short of revelatory, proving that great songs transcend time while demonstrating just how far this band has evolved as musicians and artists.
The EP opens with the reimagined title track “Spit XXV,” and from the first crushing chord, it is abundantly clear that this is not merely a nostalgic cash grab. The production is immaculate – Richardson’s veteran touch combined with the band’s seasoned musicianship creates a sonic depth that the original, for all its raw power, simply could not achieve. Morgan Lander’s vocals have gained layers of nuance and controlled aggression that her teenage self could only dream of, while the rhythm section of Mercedes Lander and Ivy Jenkins provides a thunderous foundation that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern.
“Do You Think I’m A Whore? XXV” follows, and here the band’s maturity truly shines. Where the original was a primal scream of adolescent rage, this version channels that fury through the lens of experience. The track’s inherent power remains intact, but there is a surgical precision to the delivery that speaks to decades of honing their craft. Tara McLeod’s guitar work weaves through the composition with a sophistication that elevates the material without sacrificing its visceral impact.
The inclusion of “Brackish XXV” proves to be a masterstroke. Always one of Kittie’s most dynamic compositions, the track benefits enormously from the enhanced production values and the band’s evolved interplay. The quiet-loud dynamics that made the original so compelling are amplified here, creating moments of genuine catharsis that hit like emotional freight trains. It is a reminder of why this song helped establish Kittie as more than just another nu-metal adjacent act – they were always songwriters first, and this reimagining proves that point emphatically.
Closing with “Charlotte XXV,” the EP ends on its most haunting note. This track benefits most from the passage of time, as the band approaches its darker themes with a gravitas that only comes with lived experience. The performance feels lived-in, weathered, and more powerful for it. Where the original was shocking in its directness, this version is devastating in its emotional honesty.
The band’s decision to revisit these tracks after their successful return with Fire speaks to their confidence and artistic vision. Rather than simply trading on past glories, they are demonstrating how those early songs continue to evolve and find new meaning. It is a bold move that pays dividends, showing a band comfortable with their legacy while refusing to be constrained by it.
Most importantly, Spit XXV serves as a bridge between Kittie’s past and future. For longtime fans, it is a chance to hear beloved songs with fresh ears and enhanced production. For newer listeners discovering the band through Fire, it provides crucial context for understanding their journey. Rolling Stone’s recognition of the original “Spit” as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time feels even more justified when hearing this mature, refined version.
Spit XXV stands as a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and the artistic growth that comes with dedication to craft. It is a celebration that never feels like a victory lap, instead presenting these classic songs as living documents that continue to find new meaning with each passing year. For a band that has influenced countless musicians and helped pave the way for women in metal, this feels like a perfect encapsulation of their lasting impact.
Spit XXV Track listing:
1. Spit XXV
2. Do You Think I’m A Whore? XXV
3. Brackish XXV
4. Charlotte XXV
Line-up:
Morgan Lander – vocals, guitars
Mercedes Lander – drums, backing vocals
Tara McLeod – guitar
Ivy Vujic – bass.
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10/10
