Sweden’s beloved rock ‘n’ roll band has done it again.
Three years after their last release, Tyrannosaurus Hives (Interscope, 2004) The Hives have released a new album, The Black And White Album (Interscope, Nov. 15), which proved well worth the wait.
The Hives approached things differently with this album, as the band decided to work with multiple producers. Dennis Herring (Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello), Garrett “Jacknife” Lee (U2, R.E.M.), Thomas ?berg and Pharrell Williams all made contributions to the band’s latest success. The variety of producers seems to have nurtured the diversity of the album as a whole. Through the members work with producers from several different genres, The Hives captured a broader range of sounds without losing their identity.
Lee’s consistent connection with rock groups added a crisp track, “Hey Little World,” which still had the familiar sound of the Hives. In contrast, Pharrell’s background in pop and hip-hop gave way to more pop-like sounds with less bass.
No worries, though: It is a subtle departure from the band’s previous work. Fans will be happy to hear the same style of music they first fell in love with, while experiencing a lovely blend of something very new.
With Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist taking care of the vocals, Chris Dangerous covering the drums, Dr. Matt Destruction patrolling the bass and Nicholaus Arson and Vigilante Carlstroem teaming up on the guitars, The Hives generate a unique sound. They penetrate the airwaves with shear goodness.
Up-tempo, catchy beats flow wondrously throughout the album. There are a few songs that carry a current strong enough to make even the meek and timid want to get up and move about. “Won’t Be Long,” in particular, spreads an indescribable energy that causes fingers to snap, toes to tap and heads to bop along.
Try sitting still-it cannot be done!
“Tick Tick Boom” has a similar effect, but with a heavier emphasis on percussion.
Not everything keeps up with this fast pace, however. “A Stroll Through Hive Manor” strangely resembles the noises associated with a haunted house mixed with a merry-go-round. Things slow down and sounds start to morph into other eerie sounds.
This song would surely stick out like a sore thumb if it were not accompanied by another slow and significantly different song like “Puppet On A String.” These songs create an interesting contrast with the majority of rock-like songs on the album.
One song, or rather an anthem, stands out on the album: “T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.” Appropriately titled, this track embodies their confidence, energy and creativity; this track is The Hives. Take a listen to the lyrics alone: “We rule the world, this is our world.”
As the song states, “You’re looking at black and white;” and The Hives are looking at another hit.
