Do Me a Favor

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "Do Me a Favor" by The Bites from their debut album Squeeze, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this high-octane rock anthem. This song, a nearly five-minute rollercoaster of raw rock 'n' roll, started as a mere two-minute idea before evolving into a bombastic showcase of the band’s energy. According to frontman Jordan Tyler, "Do Me a Favor" was the first track they worked on for Squeeze, kicking off with an electrifying blues riff that they pushed to be "bigger and badder" with three blazing guitar solos. The music video, directed by their longtime friend Sean Behr, captures the band’s unapologetic rock spirit, with Tyler noting it reflects “The Bites doing what The Bites do best: playing some good old fashioned rock and roll.” The song’s retro swagger and relentless rhythm make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s vibe, channeling the gritty glamour of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the band’s influences woven into "Do Me a Favor." Reviewers have compared its driving energy to AC/DC’s Let There Be Rock, with its bold riffs and cocky attitude. The track’s lyrics paint vivid snapshots of wild nights out in Los Angeles, drawing from Tyler’s experiences on the city’s vibrant scene. He’s described the song as a “compilation of moments” filled with characters chasing thrills, from love to excess, reflecting the hedonistic pulse of LA nightlife. The Bites’ commitment to making every live show a party shines through in this track, which was designed to get crowds moving and singing along, a nod to their mantra of delivering “party-starting vibes” at every gig.

The Bites were born in 2019 when Jordan Tyler, a Chicago native turned LA transplant, saw his classic rock covers explode on TikTok, racking up over 2.1 million likes. Inspired to form a band, he teamed up with drummer and producer Mark Hylander, a seasoned LA music scene veteran. The lineup was completed with guitarists Dustin Coon and Jono Richer, and bassist Zack Currier, whose chemistry was instant. Tyler and Hylander’s shared vision was to revive the gritty, fun-loving spirit of ‘70s and ‘80s rock, drawing from icons like The Rolling Stones and Mötley Crüe. Their chance meeting with Richer happened onstage at The Viper Room during a weekly jam, where they bonded over a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Rocks Off.” Currier and Hylander’s high school connection, combined with Currier taking Tyler’s spot in a Boston band years earlier, added a serendipitous twist to their formation. This tight-knit crew quickly crafted a sound that blended garage rock rhythms with massive, singalong choruses, leading to a deal with Earache Records and the release of Squeeze in 2023.

The band’s retro aesthetic is as deliberate as their sound. Their logo, inspired by The Rolling Stones’ iconic lips and tongue, features teeth biting into their name, symbolizing their gritty, sexy edge. Tyler has said the Stones’ logo is “more recognizable than the Apple symbol,” and their album artwork for Squeeze leans into this vibe, showcasing a tattooed woman sporting their logo on a white vest. One Easter egg for fans: the artwork includes a subtly blurred Beetlejuice tattoo to avoid any legal trouble. After forming, The Bites hit the road, captivating audiences in the US and UK with their electrifying live shows, which helped them secure their record deal. Tyler’s mission was clear: to create something “timeless” that counters the “rock is dead” narrative, offering fans the same thrill as classic albums from rock’s golden era.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, you can connect with The Bites on their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and more. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and Jordan Tyler’s occasional TikTok gems. While dedicated fan websites are scarce, fans are buzzing in the comments on their Apple Music page and sharing love on Facebook, where you can join groups like Earache Records’ community to connect with other Bites enthusiasts. The band’s infectious energy and retro revival make them a must-follow for any rock fan tuning into THE ZOO.