Bryant Ross
I've had this album on repeat since it's release. Kite have really outdone themselves with this project. The synths and beats hit just right. Amazing job guys <3
Favorite track: Hopelessly Unholy (Orchestral Version).
VII could technically be Kite’s first album, a compilation of the 7”s over the last several years, remastered, with full length versions that differ from the singles. Hopefully this means VIII is around the corner too, in which these sales might help fund. Synth masters of Sverige 🙌🏻
Favorite track: Changing.
Kite 'VII' - Seven 7" singles, remastered, with original full-length mixes appearing on vinyl for the first time.
Since surfacing into the Scandinavian synth-pop scene 16 years ago, Nicklas Stenemo and Christian Hutchinson Berg aka Kite have steadily grown from local icons to a global phenomenon, yet until now they’ve never released a full-length studio album. 'VII' breaks the ice, collecting 14 of the duo’s deepest and most dynamic anthems into a stormy saga of immersive, apocalyptic emotion. Sourced from a series of seven 7-inch singles released over the past half-decade, the collection persuasively showcases Kite’s distinctly cinematic strain of Swedish darkwave in all its glory and desolation.
Stenemo and Berg had both logged time in other bands before joining forces in the mid-aughts, although their unique chemistry became apparent immediately. After forming in Malmö, Sweden, they soon relocated to Stockholm, further refining their fusion of brooding synths, booming rhythm, and vocal theatrics over a string of celebrated, numbered EPs (named I through VI). Despite their rising profile, Kite then and now have largely refrained from publicity, allowing their music to speak for itself – which it clearly has, as Kite’s live performances have become the stuff of legend, prompting frequent festival invitations, international tours, and limited engagements on prestigious stages (recently at the Royal Swedish Opera, and Dalhalla, the former limestone quarry turned open air amphitheater, to name a few).
VII offers a compendium of Kite’s potent recent discography, including collaborations with Blanck Mass, Anna von Hausswolff, and Henric de la Cour. From yearning dystopian pop ("Hand Out The Drugs," "Bowie ‘95"), to widescreen existential balladry ("Tranås/Stenslanda," "Glassy Eyes"), and sleek New Romantica ("Remember Me," "Teenage Bliss"), Kite’s wavelength is one of soaring heights and abysmal depths, anguish and ecstasy, pouring one’s burning, battered heart into the here and now. Their years of visceral commitment and artistic integrity have been hard fought and hard won; it bleeds between the words and melodies in one holy moment after another: "I switch my ways / To seize the day / To face my life / Not fade to gray."
credits
released August 9, 2024
All music and lyrics by Kite
Remastered by Hans Olsson
Recorded at Studio Mörkret Över Tranås and the Synth Castle Hallstavik
Artwork and design by Erik Danielsson of Watain
7" cover artworks by Robert Hurula
Photos by Jonas Andersson
1 & 4. Mixed by Hans Olsson. Additional musician Jukka Rintamäki
2, 3, 6, 10. Produced by Kite and Benjamin John Power. Mixed by Benjamin John Power
5. Produced by Kite and Aasthma. Mixed by Aasthma
7, 8. Produced by Kite. Mixed by Hans Olsson
9. Produced by Kite and Daniel Fagerström. Mixed by Pelle Gunnerfeldt
11. Produced by Kite and Daniel Fagerström. Mixed by Pelle Gunnerfeldt. Additional keyboards by Albin Myers
12. Produced by Kite. Mixed by Hans Olsson. Additional vocals by Anna Von Hausswolff & Henric De La Cour
13. Produced by Kite. Mixed by Jon Bordon. Additional musician Jukka Rintamäki. Orchestral arrangements by Jonas Valfridsson
14. Produced by Kite. Mixed by Jon Bordon
Kite creates a dark wonderland of droning synthesizers and throbbing beats, full of majestic
melodies.
With spectacular lights, breathtaking projections and sometimes cat statues shooting laser beams from their eyes – Kite´s live show has given them a reputation as one of the best live bands not only in Sweden but in the entire world....more
Not one weak track, and the vinyl is a really quality pressing! Just buy it. Hard to pick a favorite, but "Obsession" just hits me the most. johnny_138
Wesley Eisold returns with his first Cold Cave effort in over a decade, filled to the brim with darkwave-y, club-ready murk. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 16, 2021
I've always enjoyed Boy Harsher but I don't think they ever really clicked in my brain until I watched The Runner. Now I can't get enough. Gordon Skramzy (Nathan)