The Swedish garage rock band The Hives’ 5th full-length and latest album, Lex Hives, released in the U.S. on June 5th, 2012, has long been awaited by Rock ‘n Roll fans around the world. Five years in the making, the album features 12 upbeat, self-produced tracks that will have you fist-pumping the air and sing-screaming along at the top of your lungs. The Hives’ unique style, a mix of passion, humor, and energetic punk/rock, has been sorely missed since their last album, The Black and White Album, was released in 2007. Though Lex Hives has been bashed by some for the repetitive lyrics in songs like “Come On” and “Wait A Minute”, what these critics are missing is the youthful, screaming, uncomplicated fun these tracks bring to the album.
Tracks from Lex Hives like “I Want More” and “Take Back the Toys” are reminiscent of classic Hives tunes, shocking us out of the soft-stringed ballads that saturate the music scene today. Lex Hives gives us the spirit of The Ramones and the energy of The Vines, though no other band can pull off the garage rock revival like the The Hives. Lead singer Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist delivers one of his best vocal performances in a B-Sides favorite, “I Want More”, exuding his typical confidence through lyrics like “I’m a much important man”, while Dr. Matt Destruction lays down a sexy, song-driving bass beat that tingles the toes. In truth, there isn’t a single skippable song on Lex Hives. This is an album that demands to be played loud and often, so “Go Right Ahead”, turn those dials up and warn the neighbors; The Hives are back in town.
Check out “I Want More” by The Hives
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