John Mitchell at the Robin 2 in Bilston. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. October 2008.

With a brand new studio album, the first in 19 years, due out later this month, It Bites answered the critics over whether they are still a relevant force in rock music with a resounding yes.

By playing virtually all their new album, The Tall Ships, you could almost see the reinvention taking place before your eyes as John Mitchell’s superb guitar work fitted in perfectly with keyboard player John Beck, drummer Bob Dalton and session bassist Lee Pomeroy.

Set openers My God and Ghosts set the standard for the rest of the evening which they managed to keep a grip on by getting the audience to interact on The Wind That Shakes The Barley and Great Disasters. 

For those hankering after older material, John Mitchell didn’t disappoint as he managed to dust off some old favourites and give them a new lease of life, including the thoughtful You’ll Never Get To Heaven.

Ian D. Hall