In the international pantheon of underground synth-pop, Sweden’s KITE is a significant creative force held in high regard by both their fandom and contemporaries. Since their formation in 2008, Nicklas Stenemo’s haunting vocals and Christian Hutchinson Berg’s intricate synth work have long forged a compelling blend of atmospheric electronics and pop sensibility—carrying a sense of urgency underscored by dystopian nuances.
The compilation album “VII” by Kite features fourteen of the duo’s most profound and dynamic anthems, creating a tempest of intense, apocalyptic emotion. This release showcases Kite’s adeptness in navigating emotional extremes, from fiery intensity to the eerie calm before a storm. The collection, culled from six 7″ singles released over five years, eloquently displays Kite’s cinematic take on Swedish darkwave, blending grandeur with desolation. “VII” represents a significant milestone in their discography, especially showcased in the powerful single “Losing,” featuring luminaries Anna Von Hausswolff & Henric De La Cour, which you can listen to via the lyric video below.
VII presents a collection of KITE’s powerful recent works, featuring collaborations with Blanck Mass, in addition to Anna von Hausswolff, and Henric de la Cour. The album spans yearning dystopian pop (Hand Out The Drugs, Bowie ’95), expansive existential ballads (Tranas Stenslanda, Glassy Eyes), and sleek New Romantica (Remember Me, Teenage Bliss). KITE’s music oscillates between soaring heights and profound depths, capturing both anguish and ecstasy. Their years of intense dedication and artistic integrity are evident, bleeding through the lyrics and melodies, creating moments of raw emotional truth.
Listen to the track Changing below, and pre-order VII here via Dais Records ahead of its August 9th release.
KITE’s Stenemo and Berg, both veterans of the scene, joined forces in the mid-2000s. Their unique chemistry was instantly apparent. Formed in Malmö, Sweden, they soon moved to Stockholm, honing their blend of brooding synths, powerful rhythms, and theatrical vocals through a series of celebrated EPs (I through VI). Despite their rising profile, KITE has mostly avoided publicity, letting their music speak volumes. Their legendary live performances have earned them frequent festival invitations, international tours, and exclusive engagements on prestigious stages, including a recent performance at the Royal Swedish Opera, and Dalhalla, the former limestone quarry turned open-air amphitheatre.
KITE will be embaring on tour throughout North America and Europe, starting at the end of August. Catch them at the following venues:
- Aug 29 Metro Baltimore Baltimore, MD
- Aug 30 Brooklyn Made Brooklyn, NY
- Aug 31 Brooklyn Made Brooklyn, NY
- Aug 31 Middle East – Upstairs Cambridge, MA
- Sep 18 Hole 44 Berlin, Germany
- Sep 18 Reeperbahn Festival Hamburg, Germany
- Sep 19 Forum Bielefeld Bielefeld, Germany
- Sep 21 VEGA – Musikkens Hus, Store VEGA Copenhagen, Denmark
- Sep 23 JunkYard Dortmund, Germany
- Sep 24 Gebäude 9 Cologne, Germany
- Sep 25 Nachtleben Frankfurt, Germany
- Sep 26 Club Stereo Nuremberg, Germany
- Oct 9 The Masquerade – Altar Atlanta, GA
- Oct 10 Crowbar Ybor City, FL
- Oct 13 The Mayan Theatre Los Angeles (LA), CA
- Oct 15 Star Theater Portland, OR
- Oct 16 Beat Kitchen Chicago, IL
- Oct 20 Crucible Madison Madison, WI
- Nov 21 Downstairs at the Dome London, UK
- Feb 1 Avicii Arena Stockholm, Sweden
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