Seamlessly bridging the worlds of melodic punk and 80’s hardcore, Dutch band RITES emerges as a notable presence in the European punk rock scene. Their latest live video release on Silent Call Collective showcases their explosive energy and varied punk anthems, captured in a captivating 30-minute set.
As the crowd filled the familiar venue of De Spot, RITES delivered a raw and unapologetic performance, igniting mosh pits and stage dives.
Silent Call Collective, known for their dynamic cinematography, masterfully captured the essence of this vibrant band. Check out the full video above.
Born out of a shared desire to create music and perform wherever the opportunity arose, RITES took their first steps in the summer of 2013. Fast forward ten years, and the band has exceeded their own expectations, playing over 120 shows across various countries and venues they never imagined they would grace.
With four records under their belt, RITES has achieved more than they ever anticipated, yet their hunger for musical exploration remains unquenched.
Throughout their journey, RITES has collected a trove of cherished memories, each one a testament to the indomitable spirit of their band. From playing in an old bunker lovingly run by antifa to witnessing UK hardcore fans build human pyramids during their set, the band has experienced a whirlwind of adventures.
They’ve endured early arrivals at venues (special shoutout to their drummer Rick), spent nights in converted fire stations, crammed themselves and their gear into a single car for marathon drives, and dozed off in ferry chairs. Speeding tickets adorned with amusing photos serve as mementos of their travels, while the arduous task of lugging their bass player’s cumbersome equipment up three flights of stairs evokes both laughter and camaraderie.
Through it all, RITES has encountered warm crowds singing along to their music, discovered hidden gems for vegan gastronomy, and, most importantly, met the kindest souls along their path.
No Change Without Me: A Defining Record
RITES’ latest record, “No Change Without Me,” released in May 2023 through Shield Recordings, Engineer Records, and Sell The Heart Records, marks a significant milestone for the band.
Recorded at Big Dog Recordings in the summer of ’21, this album showcases RITES’ determination to defy expectations and push their creative boundaries. With the guidance of producer Tim, the band invested time and effort to craft a record that surpasses anything they have done before.
The result speaks for itself, as they proudly stand behind the outcome. The release of “No Change Without Me” has opened doors to bigger venues and festivals, affording them the opportunity to host a special release show at their hometown venue, De Spot. From intimate gigs at their favorite bar, De Vrijbuiter, which can barely contain 50 people, to filling a 300+ capacity venue, RITES embraces the DIY ethos and thrives on challenges.
To celebrate the release of “No Change Without Me,” RITES curated a special show at De Spot, inviting their friends in Tusky, Charades, and DOGMA to join them on stage. With DOGMA playing their inaugural show, fellow record-label friends selling vinyl on-site, and a DJ tying it all together, the evening became an unforgettable experience filled with positive vibes.
Dancing bodies, daring stage dives, and the presence of friends, parents, and siblings in the pit all contributed to the electric atmosphere. Special edition versions of their release flew off the merchandise table, further enriching the celebration. A recap of this momentous night, along with RITES’ full set, is available on YouTube, thanks to the impeccable recording by Silent Call Collective.
Fuelled by their unwavering passion for performing, RITES has their sights set on countless shows across Europe, the UK, and beyond.
