Low Lives in Hi Definition

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "Low Lives in Hi Definition" by Biters from their debut album Electric Blood, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw, retro rock energy. This song, a standout on the 2015 release, channels the band’s unapologetic rock 'n' roll spirit with a punchy riff and a rebellious edge. One piece of trivia about the track comes from its music video, directed by Video Rahim, who also worked with Mastodon and Blackberry Smoke. The video takes a dramatic turn, depicting frontman Tuk being crucified by corporate suits while other band members face execution-style punishments like guillotines and hangings. Critics, like those at Immersive Atlanta, noted this heavy-handed imagery felt a bit out of character for Biters, a band typically known for their fun, devil-may-care attitude and power-pop hooks. Still, the video’s bold statement against the establishment aligns with the song’s lyrical disdain for superficial trends, with lines like “All the rats get fat off the next big thing / While the sexless gimps all worship TV.”

Another tidbit about "Low Lives in Hi Definition" is its place on the Electric Blood tracklist, nestled among other high-energy anthems like “Restless Hearts” and “The Kids Ain’t Alright.” The song features a driving piano riff layered with hard-hitting guitar work, creating a sound that reviewers, such as those at Rock Angels, praised for its addictive blend of 70s rock nostalgia and modern grit. Biters themselves described the track as a reflection of their “Electric Playboys in the Disposable Age” ethos, a nod to their influences like Cheap Trick and Slade, as mentioned in a 2015 Real Rock and Roll blog post. The band’s choice to premiere the song’s video on Kerrang! in October 2015, just as they embarked on their first UK headline tour, helped cement its status as a fan favorite, with Kerrang! calling Biters “the best new rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet.”

Biters, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, got their start in the early 2010s, born out of a shared love for classic rock and punk. Frontman Tuk (vocals/guitar), Matt (guitar/vocals), Philip (bass/vocals), and Joey (drums/percussion) came together in a scene dominated by disposable pop, determined to revive the raw, authentic energy of their influences—bands like David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Thin Lizzy. As noted on Last.fm, Biters’ early days were marked by a fierce DIY ethos, playing gritty local gigs and building a reputation for their high-octane live shows. Their signing to Earache Records, a label known for heavier acts, was a bold move that gave them the platform to release their debut LP, Electric Blood, in 2015. The band’s swagger caught the attention of rock royalty, with Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx praising their authenticity, and Classic Rock Magazine dubbing them a “bite-sized slice of retro rock’n’roll debauchery.”

The band’s rise wasn’t without challenges—they nearly got arrested while filming the wild house-party video for “Restless Hearts,” as recounted on PlanetMosh. Yet, their freewheeling spirit and knack for catchy hooks helped them carve out a niche as the “bad boys of rock,” a title they embraced while touring alongside acts like Sum 41 and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. Biters’ commitment to their craft and their rejection of fleeting trends made them a beacon for fans craving something real in a digital age, as they put it in their own words: “In this digital age of disposable razors, disposable relationships and disposable music, anything authentic seems more precious than ever.”

Fans can connect with Biters through their official channels: their website at biters.band, Facebook, and X. While their Instagram hasn’t been active recently, it still showcases their retro aesthetic and tour moments. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities exist on platforms like Last.fm, where listeners share concert photos and track insights. Dedicated fan pages on Facebook, such as the Biters Fan Group, offer spaces for fans to discuss the band’s music, share rare live footage, and celebrate their rock ‘n’ roll legacy.