Scouse Soul & 70s Gold: BITE is the Retro-Modern Fusion You’ve Been Waiting For

W: Mandy Morgan

In a musical landscape often dominated by predictable formulas, Liverpool-based outfit BITE is carving out a niche that is as eclectic as it is infectious. Describing themselves as a "modern amalgamation of retro 70s funk and soul with a hint of classic progressive rock," the band injects a distinct Scouse indie twist into a vintage sound. It’s a high-energy cocktail designed for one thing: getting people on their feet.

For the uninitiated, BITE’s music is a kaleidoscopic journey through genres. "I would describe our music as feel-good music," the band explains. "It’s funk, it’s disco, it’s rock with a twist of modern pop. It’s lots of things all mixed together." This "retro-modern fusion wave" bridges the gap between the analog warmth of the past and the pulsing energy of the present. Their influences read like a legendary record collection, citing titans like Pink Floyd, James Brown, Al Green, Steely Dan, and Funkadelic.

Despite their polished sound, the band’s pre-show ritual is a relatable mix of nerves and camaraderie. An hour before stage time, the members scatter—one obsessively checking pedals for the tenth time, another pretending the butterflies aren’t there.

"Closer to stage time, we regroup, do a very questionable stretch, and remind ourselves what venue we’re in," they laugh. The huddle is about perspective rather than perfection: "We remind each other it’s about being loose, not perfect. Then it’s lights on, and off we go."

Finding the Groove in ‘Move Around’

Their latest single, ‘Move Around,’ serves as the perfect manifesto for the BITE philosophy. Born from a desire to create a "funk and disco-fueled pop track," the song explores the balance of being happy in a relationship while maintaining a sense of self-independence.

However, the track wasn't without its hurdles. Unlike previous releases that came together effortlessly, ‘Move Around’ pushed the band to their limits in the studio. "We went into the studio expecting to get it done in a day and it just didn’t happen," they admit. "This knocked us off our feet, but we worked together and now we couldn’t be happier."

What drives BITE? It’s a restless ambition paired with a "broad palette" for all things musical. While they admit their greatest weakness is an inability to relax—often panicking about whether they are trying hard enough—it is that exact drive that fuels their collaborative creative process.

Looking forward, the band has their sights set on the heavy hitters of the modern retro scene. "We would love to collab with Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars, and Silk Sonic," they say. "They really bring that retro 70s flare which we love."

With a "never-ending desire to go as far as possible," BITE is more than just a band; they are a reminder to live in the moment and, most importantly, to keep moving.

Bites Top Ten Desert Island tracks ?