|
Thank God for the Swedish. They are a bastion of good rock
music in a world teeming with insufficient bands and derivative
sounds. The Hives top the list of the latest wave of
Swede-rock, with infectious rhythms and a large battery of energy.
On their fourth full-length release, Tyrannosaurus Hives,
the band continues its acoustic assault, staying true to their
individual style, but creating catchier riffs and mixing in
a bit more retro style. The 60's garage rock influence comes
out a bit more on some songs than they've previously allowed.
The lead single "Walk Idiot Walk" throttles the ears
with its Townsend-esque staccato guitar leads and solid
driving bass line. The hypnotic rhythms of "Two-Timing
Touch And Broken Bones" compel the body into near epileptic
fits, recalling the early days of Joy Division and their
"Komakino". The band channels the spirit of Stooges-era
Iggy Pop on "Diabolic Scheme", slowing the
pace of the record down a bit and approaching the song with
a demonic circus intensity. Stops and starts, off-rhythm guitar
strumming, and nail-on-chalkboard strings combine for a near-psychotic
experience. Punk rock roots shine through on the Black Flag
inspired "Dead Quote Olympics", blending rocking rhythm
tracks with clever lyrics. "Can't make an omelet without
breaking an egg/ and I can't make a headache if I don't aim
at the head/ you had enough of their thoughts have your own/
then you wouldn't have to be such a clone/ that just won't get
you nowhere, you thought it would?"
Tyrannosaurus Hives may not be considered groundbreaking,
or a huge jump from the last record, Veni Vidi Vicious,
but damnit, this record is good rock and roll. The fun of the
music is there, and after seeing this band live, you'll never
want to go back to your boring rock again. And you have to give
props to such a well-dressed band, what with their Colonel Sanders
ties and white suit jackets. One listen will have you hooked
and moving your feet like a deranged lunatic mod fresh off an
ocean voyage on the Queen Anne.
-Ian James
Track Listing:
1. Abra Cadaver
2. Two-Timing Touch And Broken Bones
3. Walk Idiot Walk
4. No Pun Intended
5. A Little More For Little You
6. B Is For Brutus
7. See Through Head
8. Diabolic Scheme
9. Missing Link
10. Love In Plaster
11. Dead Quote Olympics
12. Antidote
Check out
more reviews
 Talk
Back
e-mail the chief
Like this article?
e-mail
it to a friend!
|
The
Hives 
