In anticipation of The Black and White Album, The Hives — the self-proclaimed “greatest band in the world,” who also claim to be “your new favorite band” — did not record a new disc and then head out on tour in a display of humility.
During the group’s recent tour stop in Chicago, singer Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, whose speaking voice is somewhere between Elvis Presley and a carnival barker, did not fail to let the audience know whom they loved (The Hives), why they came (brand new Hives songs), and what they would get (old Hives hits and a few snippets of the forthcoming album). Through a flurry of high kicks and one awkward, aborted attempt at the splits, Almqvist led the band through a best-of set that left no fan wanting.
Live, The Hives’ Stooges-on-steroids formula is a spectacle of volume and showmanship. Guitarist Nichoulas Arson and singer Almqvist were the visual focal points, darting from one end of the stage to another and causing a small army of roadies to endlessly untangle cables and fallen microphone stands.
Their setlist was a survey course of their best tracks, with a handful of new songs scattered about — enough to get a taste of the new album, but not so much as to alienate the crowd, packed with sweating superfans dying to scream along. The proper set closed with their newest single, “Tick Tick Boom,” which elicited an incredible response from the audience, many of whom seemed convinced that The Hives were their new favorite band.
– Patrick Hajduch
The Hives: www.thehivesbroadcastingservice.com
Interscope Records: www.interscope.com