Phoenix, Arizona based BITE THE HAND just released their blistering debut album “Conned Out Of Life“, a record that incorporates melody, groove and modulated guitar leads with driving distorted rhythms and feral vocals. With this wild mix of feverish hardcore and melodic punk rock, the band has effortlessly pushed sonic expectations to the sidelines with their untraditional take on the genre pulling punk, emo, and grunge influences into the fold.
Bite the Hand will have you singing along one moment and losing your shit the next. Their sound has allowed them to cross genre boundaries often and have shared the stage with the likes of Scowl, Gel, Drug Church, Belmont, Youth Fountain, Better Lovers, Holy Fawn, Norma Jean, Slow Crush, Have Mercy and many more. Hard but wholesome.
We sat down with front-woman Echo Breen, to learn about the origins and background on each of the tracks on their new album, out now on Wiretap Records.
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TVs ON:
“CIRCLE PIT! TV’S ON is a Hardcore anthem about the harsh reality of dealing with crippling anxiety. Fighting through those feelings can sometimes feel impossible but finding small comforts to work through those tough moments can make all of the difference.”
Smile Baby:
“Being worked to the bone in late stage capitalism, we’re forced to put a smile on our faces whether we are dealing with grief, frustration, depression or just a rough patch in our lives. We aren’t always “allowed” to show those feelings or emotions without fear of consequence. This song is your permission slip to feel what you gotta feel and not just smile through the bullshit.”
Pageant Queen:
“For the punks! A fuck you to societal expectations that are cast on all of us. We live in a world where someone is always trying to force you into the box of what they think is best for you. This song is about breaking that mold and letting your true self shine. This is an embodiment of feeling empowered to live life on your own terms. Those who try to hold you back are usually the ones that live in their same old home towns, doing the same old daily routines, with the same old group of friends that just like to talk about the ‘good ol days’ while I’m out here still living my story every day. Life is short and this is a reminder to let your authentic self shine because we are only here for a finite amount of time so don’t let mediocrity and fear run your life.”
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Bent Knees:
“This is a diss track to all the men that can’t take no for an answer. The ones at work who think they are superior and talk down to you in the workplace, the ones who won’t take no for an answer, and the ones that are just so full of forceful behavior that they can’t see that their behavior is sickening. This is a reminder to myself that when I am put into those uncomfortable situations that I will scream from the top of my lungs and fight to change the normalcy of the American patriarchy and fight for change. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.”
Stay Mad:
“Being pissed off with a purpose. There are so many broken systems and injustices that we have to bear witness to on a daily basis that it can feel overwhelming and impossible to work through. When you are down bad, you need to stay mad. Sometimes this is the only that that serves as motivation to rise up against injustice and wrong doing to keep fighting for equality.”
Roswell:
“For those of you that are accustomed to small town living, you may have felt like an alien or outcast in your community if you don’t follow the status quo. Small towns so often cast creatives, those who are queer, those with alternative ideas, and that don’t participate in the “way things always have been” because they fear change and those who are different. Roswell is a reminder that you aren’t stuck forever and can totally leave the planet (town) you were born into for a community that can serve your needs.”
