Kyte comprise Nick Moon (vocals), Tom Lowe (guitars and keyboards), Scott Hislop (drums and percussion). Their earlier musical output was often labelled shoegazing (or neo-shoegazing) and post rock but they have since moved into a more electro and pop influenced sound.Their debut single, "Planet", was released in 2007 on Sonic Cathedral Recordings, the b-side of which, "Boundaries", was used in a trailer for the television series The Sopranos in the United States. Their debut album was released in 2008 on Kids Records (UK) / Erased Tapes Records (EU) to generally positive reviews.In April 2009 they released their second full length release Science For The Living in Japan. The two disc Japan release featured tracks taken from their 2008 Two Sparks, Two Stars EP, with the remaining tracks being new material. The bonus disc included a remix from The Joy Formidable of the opening track on Disc 1 "Eyes Lose Their Fire".
The band have toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia as well as appearing at many festivals including the 10th Anniversary Summer Sonic Festival in Japan.
During April 2012 the band travelled to Seattle to work with producer John Goodmanson (Nada Surf, Blonde Redhead, Los Campesinos) at the Robert Lang Studios. The new album titled Love to be Lost is expected in the autumn of 2012.
Fake Handshakes Earnest Smiles
Kyte Lyrics
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Off with their heads
Sign your name, into the light
He's bleeiding from his ears
Whilst she falls into the wind
We're lost in this old crime
Sleep on a faded mattress
Awfully kind
Fake handshakes, earnest smiles
Why trust our oldest friend
He's starting to die
He once possessed your smile
Just passing through
Silent phone calls in the night
He's stealing any chance
A cold and safe romance
There's nothing left but fights
Cheap lights and old tin soldiers
Sleep on a faded mattress
Awfully kind
Fake handshakes, earnest smiles
Why trust our oldest friend
He's starting to die
Cheap lights and old tin soldiers
Sleep on a faded mattress
Awfully kind
Fake handshakes, earnest smiles
Why trust our oldest friend
He's starting to die
Cheap lights and old tin soldiers
Sleep on a faded mattress
Awfully kind
Fake handshakes, earnest smiles
Why trust our oldest friend
He's starting to die
The lyrics of Kyte's song, Fake Handshakes Earnest Smiles, are rich in imagery and symbolism. The opening lines, "Forget the chimney smoke, off with their heads" suggest a sense of rebirth, of letting go of old concepts and ideas in order to move forward. The line "Sign your name, into the light" can be interpreted as a metaphor for starting over, a sort of signing off on the past to embrace a new future.
The second stanza introduces us to two characters who seem to be suffering in different ways. "He's bleeding from his ears, whilst she falls into the wind". These lines can be interpreted as a commentary on the way people experience pain and grief in different ways, depending on their unique circumstances. The next line, "We're lost in this old crime", suggests a sense of guilt or regret, perhaps for things left unsaid or undone in the past.
The final stanza repeats the opening lines, reinforcing the idea that change is necessary for growth. The imagery of "Cheap lights and old tin soldiers, sleep on a faded mattress" brings to mind a sense of decay, of things falling apart. The phrase "fake handshakes, earnest smiles" is an interesting contrast, suggesting that even as things are falling apart, people are still trying to maintain a facade of normalcy.
Overall, the lyrics of Fake Handshakes Earnest Smiles suggest a sense of loss and dislocation, but with the possibility of renewal and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Forget the chimney smoke
Let go of the past, move on and start anew
Off with their heads
Eliminate anything that is not in alignment with your goals
Sign your name, into the light
Make your mark in the world and let your light shine
He's bleeding from his ears
He is in distress and suffering, possibly from overwhelming stress or pain
Whilst she falls into the wind
She is being carried away by unpredictable circumstances and has lost control
We're lost in this old crime
We are trapped in a cycle of repetitious behavior that is hindering progress
Cheap lights and old tin soldiers
Things that are simplistic and no longer useful
Sleep on a faded mattress
Resting on something that has lost its comfort and support
Awfully kind
Despite their flaws, they have a certain charm and nostalgia associated with them
Fake handshakes, earnest smiles
People who are not genuine are often the ones who are able to deceive us with a smile and a handshake
Why trust our oldest friend
Just because someone has been around for a long time, it doesn't mean that they are trustworthy or have your best interest in mind
He's starting to die
Something, whether a relationship or an idea, is coming to an end
He once possessed your smile
Someone who used to bring joy to your life is no longer around
Just passing through
This person was only temporary and not meant to stay in your life forever
Silent phone calls in the night
Communication that is one-sided or lacking in transparency
He's stealing any chance
Someone is taking advantage of opportunities that should be equally shared
A cold and safe romance
A relationship that lacks passion or emotion, but offers security and predictability
There's nothing left but fights
The relationship has deteriorated and communication has become toxic
Writer(s): Nicholas Stephen Moon, Tom Lowe
Contributed by Connor Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.