The Hives

Ever since The Hives ended their 11-year musical drought, they have not put a foot wrong. Following the acclaimed The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, the band has delivered a new record, The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, and celebrated its release with a highly anticipated album launch show at HERE at Outernet in partnership with Rough Trade.

From the moment the lights went up, it was clear that the Swedish quintet had lost none of their punch. They exploded to life with "Enough Is Enough," a new track that immediately set the tone with its relentless rhythm section and sharp, angular guitar work. The band's stage presence was immediate. Frontman Howlin' Pelle Almqvist, in a new matching black-and-white uniform, commanded the stage, a whirlwind of animated gestures and theatrical poses. His banter between songs, always a key part of The Hives' enduring appeal, was delivered with a mix of brash confidence and dry wit that kept the audience engaged and very much entertained.

The setlist drew heavily from their celebrated back catalogue, serving up fan favorites with the kind of polished ferocity that has defined their career. "Main Offender" and "Hate to Say I Told You So" were delivered with the familiar, high-impact garage sound that has become their trademark. The rhythm section of Chris Dangerous on drums and The Johan and Only on bass provided a taut, unyielding backbone, allowing the dual guitars of Nicholaus Arson and Vigilante Carlstroem to deliver their signature riffs with destructive force. Intense and focused, nothing was wasted.

As a taster from The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, we witnessed the live debut of "O.C.D.O.D." Its frantic pace and intricate, instantly accessible guitar hooks showcased a group that has refined its sound without sacrificing its raw energy. The new material fitting seamlessly alongside the classics.

"Tick Tick Boom" saw Almqvist embark on another crowd-surfing excursion, and it was a pleasure to hold him up. The main set concluded with the title track from the new album, "The Hives Forever Forever The Hives," which served as a mission statement for the band's enduring spirit. The mosh pit had become one heaving, sweaty mass of enjoyment.

For the encore, the band returned with renewed vigor, launching into "Come On!" before another live debut, "Born a Rebel." The night concluded with the potent "Countdown to Shutdown," leaving the audience in no doubt they had witnessed a band still at the height of its powers. The Hives are a must-see live experience, a masterclass in how to deliver high-octane rock with surgical precision and boundless charisma and the new album a certain hit. When you have a formula this successful, why change? More of the same, please.

Setlist:
Enough Is Enough
Main Offender
Paint a Picture
Bogus Operandi
Hate to Say I Told You So
O.C.D.O.D (Live debut)
Tick Tick Boom (Pelle crowdsurfed)
Legalize Living
The Hives Forever Forever The Hives

Encore:
Come On!
Born a Rebel (Live debut)
Countdown to Shutdown