KITE Release ‘VII’ for Dais Records

Swedish Synth Pop Duo KITE Release VII for Dais Records

Their new double LP compiles six previous sold out 7inches.  Stream album closer "Hum Hum" now.

See KITE on tour: U.S. Aug. + Oct., EU Sept. + Nov., London Nov.

Photo by: Jonas Andersson.

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 six 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.  VII is out today on Dais Records.

Stream / share focus track "Hum Hum"

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 [watch], 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 ("Tranas 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.

Pick up VII here and see KITE on tour all over the world in the coming months.

KITE, on tour:

U.S. August 2024
08/28  Richmond, VA - Fallout RVA
08/29  Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery
08/30  New York, NY - Murder of Crows Fest
08/31  Boston, MA - Middle East (Upstairs)

Germany, Denmark, CZ September 2024
18/09  Berlin, DE - Hole44
20/09  Hamburg, DE - Reeperbahn Festival
21/09  Copenhagen, DE - Vega
23/09  Dortmund, DE - Junkyard
24/09  Cologne, DE - Gebaude 9
25/09  Frankfurt, DE - Nachtleben
26/09  Nurnberg, DE - Club Stereo
27/09  Prague, CZ - Futurum Music Bar

U.S. October 2024
10/09  Atlanta, GA - Altar
10/10  Tampa, FL - Crowbar for Absolution Fest
10/11  San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
10/13  Los Angeles, CA - Cold Waves Festival
10/15  Portland, OR - The Star Theater
10/16  Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen
10/17  Austin, TX - Elysium
10/18  Dallas, TX - Three Links
10/19  Minneapolis, MN - Ground Zero
10/20  Madison, WI - Crucible

London 2024
21/11 London, UK - The Dome

Spain November 2024
22/11  Barcelona, ES - Sala Wolf
23/11  Madrid, ES - Groove Room for Santuario Fest

KITE on Ice 2025
02/01  Stockholm, SE @ Avicii Arena