Crossover Prog
United Kingdom
IT BITES was formed in the mid-'80s by vocalist and guitarist Francis DUNNERY, bassist Dick NOLAN, drummer Bob DALTON and keyboard player John BECK. The music is typical of Prog Rock bands that try to go mainstream, like some PENDRAGON stuff. Their ability to blend reggae, pop and new age into a metal foreground is totally mind blowing. Big sound and direct melodies form a cocktail which any fan will appreciate. Anyone who listens to this group for the first time is in for an audible rollercoaster ride. IT BITES should be considered a collector item for all listeners of all British Prog bands (PENDRAGON, BIG BIG TRAIN, MARILLION etc.).
The band matured with "Once Around the World", exerting more traditional rock influence. This release is the most progressive with its 15-minute title track. Fantastic...! Their final release, "Eat Me in St. Louis", was a collection of unreleased and new material. The disc shows that they truly were one of the best bands to successfully merge progressive rock with a more pop-oriented mode. IT BITES is really a great PROG BAND.
Apparently the band has reformed with a new lead singer and guitarist John Mitchell (Kino, Arena, Frost), as Francis Dunnery is no longer willing to contribute to a new album. The new IT BITES is writing new material and will start recording at the end of 2006 with a tour before and after the release.
ALBUMS:
2008 - THE TALL SHIPS
- John Mitchell / guitars & lead vocals
- John Beck / keyboards & backing vocals
- Bob Dalton / drums & backing vocals
- John Mitchell and John Beck / bass guitars
1. Oh My God (5:47)
2. Ghosts (4:45)
3. Playground (5:32)
4. Memory Of Water (4:49)
5. The Tall Ships (6:17)
6. The Wind That Shakes The Barley (8:12)
7. Great Disasters (4:59)
8. Fahrenheit (5:16)
9. For Safekeeping (5:27)
10. Lights (4:54)
11. This Is England (13:34)
Total Time 69:32
Look!!
