The Bites

The Bites were a 3-piece band from Melbourne, Australia. They formed in 2001 and dissolved in late 2005.

The songs are the most important thing. They are short, sharp, state their point and then they stop. Rhythm and melody are equally crucial in The Bites. The nucleus of The Bites are Kirsty and Rene. Other members have come and gone since the band started in 2001. Their philosophy is one of maintaining true independence and complete artistic control over all aspects of their music.

Kirsty had renounced her past as solo performer and indie-popster and René had been hankering for some music louder than his other band Bruna. The Bites then set about putting out their first single ‘My Heart, Your Heart’ on their own Dusky Sounds label, packaged in hand-printed pink covers with red velvet hearts.

The Bites recorded their debut album ‘White Lines And Runways’ with engineer Neil Thomason (Ricaine, Deer), whose direct, no-nonsense approach managed to capture the feel of the band’s live shows. It was released on W.Minc Records in 2003, to much critical acclaim.

After some nifty line-up changes at the beginning of 2004, The Bites eventually found Simon Parker as drummer and The Bites’ sound continued to become even more melodic and heavier than before. This line-up recorded a single "I'm Not Coming Down", which was released in February 2005, again on Dusky Sounds. Simon departed The Bites in June 2005.

The Bites last show was also be the launch of their final EP "this is a full stop." It has 7 songs and 4 videos on it, and it's handprinted on black cardboard.

In early 2006, The Bites changed their name to Hand Hell and recorded a new album in March. On the album Kirsty and Rene are helped out by Jen from Go Genre Everything on drums.