Reviews
’If you like haunting indie rock with keyboards & great vocals, then you’ll love this band... a musically talented 40 minutes of diverse & interesting songs’ - (The Canon 22.04.06) - MK Music
’...playing a melodic, electronic sound that captured the whole room. They have come a very long way in a short time and have something exceptionally different to offer. Professional & with attitude, everyone was blown away’ - (Bedford Esquires 15.07.06) - MK Music
Dark Days EP Review – ‘one of the most interesting bands to form locally... there’s the epicness of Roxy Music, the dark brooding of Depeche Mode... a combination of dark subject matter & pop sensibility... the writing is mature & catchy. If this band don’t go a long way then there’s no justice in this world.’ - (Monkey - 9th Circle - 9th web.org)
The Story So Far
In 2004, budding song-writers Chi-Chung Yau, (former guitarist with Northampton Punk Band ‘The Flaming Kermits’) and Chris Garton, (former keyboardist with Milton Keynes based ‘The Fray’) met while studying Music at Northampton College.
After their bands split, they decided to form a new band which wouldn’t follow a trend and one that would be the vehicle for their song-writing aspirations. They wanted to make the kind of music that they would like to listen to. They wanted to move people and give them ’goose-bumps’ and were aiming for their own blend of dark alternative/indie rock.
The original six piece line-up was formed in October that year and they gigged at local venues - ’The Racehorse’ and ’Soundhaus’ - they were given supporting slots there by Northampton band The Venus Fly Trap. Their first Demo - ‘Numb’ - was recorded at The Lodge and received radio play on BBC Radio Northampton’s ‘The Weekender’. The band also played other venues in Wellingborough, Brackley, Banbury and London.
In late 2005 the band slimmed down to a five-piece following a change of line-up. The song-writers and core members - Chris (lead singer & keys), Chi-Chung (guitar) and Teresa Capewell (keys & backing vocal) remained and recruited a new rhythm section.
Achievements in 2006 included recording The Bitter Suite’s second EP ’Dark Days’ (currently on myspace) at Rooksmere Studios, the local summer festivals including ’Twinfest’ (Northampton) & playing the very huge stage at ’A Walk in the Park’ (Wootton, Northants). They also supported bands on three nights at the Soundhaus, Northampton and took their place in the semi-final at the battle of the bands at ‘The Fountain’ in Tottenham, having won their previous heat.
Definite high points included the band’s first Milton Keynes gig in April 2006 at ’The Canon’ in Newport Pagnell and their ’Bedford Esquires Club’ debut on 15.07.2006 where they exceeded the support of the head-lining band!
2007 has seen further changes, but now a solid formation which includes new bass player Kathryn Ross, former lead singer of successful band blitz winners 75% Lip. Michael Grubb also joined as drummer to the Suites. Michael was guitarist with MK metal band ’Krain’.
The Bitter Suite are now looking for gigs to showcase their new E.P which has just been recorded by themselves.
Profile Edited by MPS MySpace Editor 2.0
