Photo by: Lars Sundestrand.
In the vast panorama of Swedish synth-pop, KITE isn’t merely passing through the zeitgeist. They emanate, casting a spectral glow uniquely their own. Their sound—a sublime mélange of atmospheric electronics with a pop sensibility—feels like a headrush, teeming with urgency and the subtlest hints of dystopia lurking just beneath. Amidst the offerings of today’s musical spectrum, KITE reverberates, imprinting themselves on the collective.
Since their 2008 inception, the entrancing pairing of Nicklas Stenemo’s vocals and Christian Hutchinson Berg’s synth wizardry has taken flight, stitching the ether with their emotive and ambient brilliance. Their newest release, and first for Dais Records, the double-A-sided “Don’t Take The Light Away / Remember Me,” is another bold declaration of their passionate songcraft. Through this release, KITE channels an emotional maelstrom, oscillating between raw fervour and the impending quiet before a storm.
KITE graces the sonic world today with the premiere of “Remember Me,” birthed in the aftermath of their whirlwind 2017 US tour—a raw ode to the wringing burnout and profound weariness they faced. The haunting refrain, “Remember me, Won’t you remember me, Promise you’ll remember me,” lingers like a phantom whisper.
The track starts with an entrancing drone, giving space for chilling synths and otherworldly vocals to emerge. The crescendo? A rhythmically charged backbeat; a musical journey from the depths of fatigue to the heights of emotional catharsis. In this gorgeous, lush atmosphere, we hear the passionate elements of Jean-Michel Jarre, Sigur Rós, Covenant, and even Peter Gabriel.
Listen to the song below:
Narratives can only convey so much; the real essence is in the ambiance. From the crucible of our deepest anxieties emerges a newfound hope; a resilient spirit. KITE masterfully merges theatrical drama with emotive release, crafting anthems that echo the collective soul’s longing. It’s a testament to their prowess, illuminating that delicate balance of keeping hope’s flame alive, amidst the engulfing darkness.
Hailing from the quaint Swedish towns of Stenslanda and Tranås, Stenemo and Berg might have had humble beginnings, but KITE’s wings have since unfurled to embrace the globe. Their sonic journey has spanned numerous countries, and their 2019 magnum opus at the Royal Swedish Opera—with the rich layers of a 16-piece orchestra—remains an indelible memory. KITE’s harmonies transcend language barriers. Staying true to their unyielding commitment to potent soundscapes, they champion the EP format. With six releases under their belt, KITE’s discography embodies their uncompromising “all killer, no filler” mantra.
In 2022, KITE embarked on a transcontinental journey across the U.S., rubbing shoulders and sharing stages with fellow dark synth trailblazers like Front 242 and Cold Cave. In September 2023, the stage is set for a monumental homecoming as KITE is set to headline their most ambitious gig to date at the world-renowned Dalhalla—an awe-inspiring open-air theatre sculpted out of an erstwhile limestone quarry in the heart of Sweden. This venue, as majestic as it is, forms a poetic backdrop for KITE’s meteoric rise, cementing their place among the synth-pop elite on a global scale.
Pre-order Don’t Take the Light Away / Remember Me on 7inch here, stream the release on DSP’s here, and look for more news from Kite and Dais Records.
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