Since the inception of The Hives, the Swedish rockers have had a consistent party size of six; a frontman, lead and rhythm guitarist, bass guitarist, drummer, and of course imaginary pal and songwriter Randy Fitzsimmons. When it comes to their sixth LP, however, it appears that the illusive Fitzsimmons is no more.
Naturally, you’d think that there would be a change of dynamic or sound within the band after the death of a ‘member.’ Whether that is on display is up for debate, however what isn’t is the charisma and excitement present throughout the record. Fresh from an arena tour with Arctic Monkeys, it’s clear that there’s a sense of confidence and swagger within the band. Not that it wasn’t there before, but with 11 years of studio absence there was always a chance of a loss of touch.
Opener Bogus Operandi shows that you’d be a fool to ever doubt their energy however, with enough thick guitar riffs and punk production to please any hardcore fans desires. Trapdoor Solution comes in at breakneck speed and leaves without even giving a chance of impression, but with further listens the songs punch and drive comes into clearer light. Stick Up proves that The Hives aren’t all just rollercoaster rock, with horns providing a staccato rhythm that feel classy and crisp. You can almost feel yourself clicking your fingers alongside the beat, meanwhile frontman Almqvist is as lively with the microphone as always.
As the record goes on it maintains its pace but a couple of tracks threaten to fall behind. Two Kinds Of Trouble rhythm feels lacklustre and the titular refrain becomes tiresome quickly. What Did I Ever Do To You? perhaps proves that the band spent too much time with the Monkeys’ as its riff sounds like the younger sibling of Do I Wanna Know? The guitar tone sounds paper-thin, and while it improves in its closing minute it takes its time in getting there.
It’s likely that you may have forgotten the album’s premise by the time The Bomb rolls around, but that doesn’t overly matter. The track is a welcomed return to the familiar breakneck speed with childish lyrics you can’t help but enjoy: “He a bomb, me a bomb, we a bomb, she a bomb, we’re blowing out tonight”. It’s delightful in its own simplicity and shows that the group are at their best when they’re just trying to have fun.
You’d be naive to think that The Hives were ever going to delve too deep into the themes that may be apparent on the sleeve of the LP. The Swedes are here to have punk-infused and high-energy excitement and that they do in abundance. Randy Fitzsimmons may be dead but The Hives will inevitably live on.