The Bites: Garage Rock Revived
The Bites are an American garage rock band known for their raw, energetic sound and explosive live shows. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, the group achieved commercial success with their 2018 album Neon Teeth, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified gold single.
Early career
The Bites formed in 2012, born from the city's storied rock and punk lineage. Founding members vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance and drummer Mara Sims began playing DIY shows in local basements and clubs, self-releasing their gritty debut EP Static Hands in 2014.
Their relentless touring and growing local buzz caught the attention of independent label Rough Trade Records, which signed the band in 2016. This partnership led to the recording of their first full-length studio album.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of Neon Teeth on Rough Trade. The album's lead single, Radio Silence, became a staple on alternative rock radio, eventually earning a gold certification in the United States for sales exceeding 500,000 units.
Neon Teeth itself debuted at number 78 on the Billboard 200, a significant achievement for an independent garage rock act. This success solidified The Bites' reputation and enabled extensive international touring.
Key tracks
Radio Silence — This gold-certified single broke the band on alternative radio and defined their signature blend of fuzzed-out guitars and melodic hooks.
Neon Teeth — The title track from their breakthrough album showcases their dynamic range, shifting from a tense verse to a cathartic, shouting chorus.
Static Hands — A fan favorite from their early EP, this song remains a live set staple and highlights their raw, unpolished origins.
Motor City Shake — A later single that pays direct homage to their Detroit roots with a driving, blues-influenced riff and relentless energy.
The Bites followed their breakthrough with 2021's Grit & Glimmer, which saw them experimenting with more complex production while retaining their core garage rock intensity. They have collaborated with artists like producer Dave Sardy and shared stages with legacy acts, further cementing their place in the modern rock scene.
Fans of The Bites' revitalized garage rock sound should also explore The White Stripes, another Detroit duo known for minimalist, blues-powered rock. Ty Segall shares a similar prolific output and devotion to fuzzed-out, analog recording techniques. The melodic punk energy of The Hives also provides a clear parallel to The Bites' live presentation.
The music of The Bites is featured in regular rotation across a network of alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams. Their hits and deep cuts are programmed alongside both contemporary guitar acts and classic garage rock pioneers, ensuring their sound reaches a dedicated audience of rock enthusiasts.
Listeners can discover the discography of The Bites through dedicated rock formats on radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their certified hits and powerful album tracks as part of a curated garage rock and alternative music experience.
