The Hives: The Hives Forever Forever The Hives

Well, well, well, here we go again. A new album from Swedish punk rock'n'roll band The Hives. The band needs very little introduction, and consistently follows a perfect formula that includes an overload of catchy hooks, fast paced riffs, and jumpy punk rock choruses. As a result, The Hives will put an instant smile on your face. Their last album, ‘The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons’, was an absolute banger so the expectations were sky high, and their new album does not disappoint!

While the production has become slicker than ever, you instantly recognise The Hives’ sound and attitude opening with the first line "Everyone's a little fuckin' bitch, and I'm getting sick and tired of it". This immediately sets the tone for what is to come, and it most definitely is not enough! If you do not get The Hives by now, you probably never will. 

’Paint a Picture’ feels like a modern spin on 1978 punk, the kind of track that could easily have been written by The Undertones or Buzzcocks. Its raw drive is undercut by a surprising half-time chorus, a twist that keeps it fresh while staying true to its roots.

Across the record, there isn’t really a bad song. Every listen offers new details, new lines to shout along with, new reasons to put it back on. But during the first twenty-five minutes, you may get the sense that you’ve heard some of this before, and in a way you have. This is The Hives after all, sticking firmly to their signature sound.

Then the final two tracks arrive. ‘Path of Most Resistance’ and ‘The Hives Forever Forever the Hives’ throw a curveball, diving headfirst into synth-rock territory. It’s unexpected, yet perfectly in step with the band’s mantra: The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives. And the good news is that The Hives are still The Hives which means they remain the crème de la crème of rock’n’roll extravaganza.