SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE HIVES – THE HIVES FOREVER FOREVER THE HIVES

THE HIVES
THE HIVES FOREVER FOREVER THE HIVES
[PIAS]

For three decades, The Hives have delivered high-octane garage rock anthems with a loud, hard-hitting sound, tenaciously-punky energy, and an electrifying cool swagger. Their newest album, The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, prove that they are here to stay, unleashing one of the best rock records of the year.

At only 33 minutes, The Hives Forever Forever The Hives is a very enjoyable listening experience. There is just banger after banger; not one song overstaying its welcome. Despite the brief runtime, there is still time for thrilling guitar solos, like the one that comes in at breakneck speed in “Paint A Picture,” and brief instrumentals like the rather melodic “(Interlude).”

In “Enough Is Enough,” The Hives hold nothing back, with the first words frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist delivers being “Everyone’s a little fuckin’ bitch.” Along with the punchy, razor-sharp guitar riffs, punishingly heavy drums, and an angry shoutable chorus, this song is an exhilarating experience. The contagiously hooky “Path Of Most Resistance,” which taps into an ‘80s new wave sound, is full of groovy charm, foot-tapping rhythms, and unforgettable guitar riffs. The rebellious “Legalize Living” explores rejecting oppressive regulations and societal conformity over police sirens, a thumping bass line, crunchy headbanging guitar riffs, and an addictive chorus. Meanwhile, “Roll Out The Red Carpet” is just an incredibly fun, 2000s-style rock song with plenty of attitude and a commanding vocal performance from Almqvist. Lastly, the self-celebratory title track is destined to become a new chant that fans will joyously yell at live shows.

Overall, The Hives know how to rock out just as much as they did when they started. The Hives Forever Forever The Hives features some career-best material from the band.

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