The Hives

The Hives: Tyrannosaurus HivesTyrannosaurus Hives (2004)
Universal Music Group

Reviewer Rating: 3

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Contributed by: CosCos
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Published on July 27th 2004About two years ago, the alternative weekly in the East Bay ran a story about local up-and-comers the Pattern (if you don't remember them, you aren't the only one) and the burgeoning garage rock revival. A major label publicist interviewed in the story had this to say about the new movement, which s.

About two years ago, the alternative weekly in the East Bay ran a story about local up-and-comers the Pattern (if you don't remember them, you aren't the only one) and the burgeoning garage rock revival. A major label publicist interviewed in the story had this to say about the new movement, which she called "small-scale rock."

"Small-scale rock is the new ska."

While garage rock has far surpassed ska in longevity, some key similarities remain. Take the new Hives record, "Tyrannosaurus Hives." Like many a ska band, they wear suits, sport stupid faces on their albums, espouse the Bible according to Devo, and deliver lyrics devoid of meaning (this can be excused-they're Swedish, after all). However, they also supply a steady stream of upbeat pop goodness that manages to hold up for the entire album.

"Tyrannosaurus Hives" main fault is that its not as good as "Veni Vidi Vicious." The mid-tempo rock songs are well represented. The first single, "Walk Idiot Walk" is probably as good as "Hate to Say I Told You So" and the ironic ballad in the middle, "Diabolic Scheme," is wonderful. But none of the 12 tracks can match the sheer violence and energy of songs like "The Hives Introduce the Metric System in Time." The record feels like a whole lot of pressure from the powers that be to write a steady stream of radio ready singles choked the band's ability to relax and kick some ass.

"Tyrannosaurus Hives" is by no means an awful record. The Hives are still one of the best bands that gets played on national radio. But if you're searching for another balls-to-the-wall rock record, your money is probably better spent digging up some old New Bomb Turks albums.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (August 17, 2004)

This Album Is Awesome and If You Like This Get Some New Bomb Turks Shit!!! A for this CD and NBT

Anonymous (August 11, 2004)

Decent review, killer album.
The hives have nothing to do with EMO, geeeze.
Anybody care to name a better band to listen to currently?
I think you all should buy both T Hives and a New Bomb Turks CD or two. Then buy some T(I)NC and Refused and you will have heard some great rock that most people haven't heard.
This album is an impressive follow-up to VVV, I think. Imagine the pressure for this album, after being part of that gay ass "garage rock revival" and being so critically acclaimed plus promoting yourself so much and saying how great you are all the time. If you delivered a mediocre album after all that it would be all over.

Anonymous (August 3, 2004)

i dont consider this emo, although emo is a horrible trend id like to say you people pay too much attention to image. you complain about band's image's but thats all you look at. it effects the way you understand the music. when i look at hives i see good old rocknroll, rolling stones