The Hives - 'Tyrannosaurus Hives' (Polydor) Released 19/07/04

The explosion of garage rock that brought us The Strokes and The White Stripes also saw the arrival of ‘Your New Favourite Band’ – The Hives.  Looking like a barcode, the Swedish quintet proved they had a knack for a killer riff in the shape of songs such as ‘Main Offender’.  Having been away for two years writing with mysterious ‘sixth member’ Randy Fitzsimmons, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist and Co have now returned with ‘Tyrannosaurus Hives’ – and even have a new look to go with it.

‘Abra Cadaver’ is ninety seconds of what The Hives are about.  A great riff backed with tight drumming, Almqvist shouting about god knows what, and some handclaps.  Excellent.  ‘Two-Timing Touch And Broken Bones’ is a little easier going, relentless drumming in the verses being joined in the chorus by the guitars.  ‘Walk Idiot Walk’ is the lead single from the album, and if you’ve heard it you’ll know that it has one of the catchiest riffs of the year.  ‘A Little More For Little You’ sees the band on top form.  The verses have a ska sound, and the chorus is rousing – a highlight of the record!  ‘B Is For Brutus’ powers through like a juggernaut, making full use of dual guitarists Vigilante Carlstroem and Nicholaus Arson. 

The second half of ‘Tyrannosaurus Hives’ begins with ‘See Through Head’, featuring  ‘oh oh oh’ backing vocals which would be annoying if they weren’t so catchy.  And now a shock:  The Hives have recorded a ballad!  Well not quite, but ‘Diabolic Scheme’ is a departure from their usual sound.  Slower and featuring strings, it works if only because Almqvist doesn’t take himself too seriously.  ‘Love In Plaster’ shows the sensitive side of The Hives, a song about a failed relationship, it has the clearest vocals of the record during the verses before letting go in the chorus.  ‘Antidote’ finishes the album how is started, and has a similar riff pattern to ‘Walk Idiot Walk’.

The Hives have picked up exactly where they left off – great riffs, loud vocals, good songs, and sharp suits.  It’s doubtful that this will win them any new fans, but it will please those they already have.  At just over 30 minutes this album is fine – but any longer and it would be too repetitive.