Live review from 22nd Anniversary Festival Day 1:
1.寅時無鬼
2.出走東京
3.風花
4.指尖
5.死心不息
6.小魔怪
Vocal – Bitez
lead guitar – Ron
Rhythm guitar – Matt
Bv and tecs – Leo
Bass – Harry
Drum – Kevin
With a new name and a new lineup, Bitez start their set strong. Every time I watch this band they get better, and tonight they are tight, relaxed, and clearly enjoying themselves. Bitez and Leo’s vocals are working particularly well together, while Ron, Matt, Harry, and Kevin lay down a sound that perfectly supports the back-and-forth between them.
The second song, “出走東京,” starts with the guitars, Matt picking out a refrain while Leo comes in across the sound. Bitez’s vocals are particularly strong in this track—it really suits his range—and he encourages the audience to never give up on their dreams. It’s one of my favourites of the set, and the crowd clearly agrees. Harry and Kevin lay down the perfect beat to let the guitars work together and fill out the sound.
The next track, “風花,” picks up the pace with Ron leading on a running riff that fills the room. The band pull back and then come roaring back in, showing great control of dynamics.
Then the band takes it down a notch with “指尖,” a more laid-back track played with a real sense of connection and enjoyment. Again, it really suits Bitez’s range, and he shows what a strong frontman he is—drawing the crowd in while still sharing the stage with the band. Leo’s backing vocals add a layer that makes the track feel even more soulful.
This new lineup really works and has taken Bitez to another level. It’s even more impressive when you learn that Ron had broken his finger just days before the show, but was so determined to play that he adapted his style to make sure the band could perform.
The final song, “小魔怪,” is about Hong Kong and closes the set perfectly. Bitez introduces it by talking about how beautiful the city is and how much they love it, and that really comes across in the performance. The crowd goes quiet, almost leaning in to take it all in.
I spoke to the band afterwards and they said they’re getting ready to record the track—definitely one I’m looking forward to hearing again.
Shaun @BRG
