Let’s face it, more often than not, you can look at the obscure compilation of words in a band’s name and wonder how and why it decided to call itself that. Cymbals Eat Guitars, Deadboy and the Elephant, or the ever-parodied Panic! At the Disco or Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, anyone? Yet if there is one band whose name makes perfect sense, it’s The Hives. Consider them in terms of mild discomfort and bouts of hot flashes, and you’re pretty spot-on.
Nearly a decade into their career, the Hives became one of the trendiest bands of the 2000s. Since releasing their sophomore LP, Veni Vidi Vicious, the Swedish garage rock revivalists have gained international acclaim for their scrappy sound and super-charged live sets. Known for their arty black and white attire and outrageous energy, the quintet is still hailed as one of the best live acts in rock ‘n’ roll more than 20 years after their birth.
Their name pretty much says it all. Frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist leads a riotous performance, easily paralleled by the high-octane energy of his bandmates: guitarists Nicholaus Arson and Vigilante Carlstroem, bassist Dr. Matt Desctruction, and percussionist Chris Dangerous. Pelle is known for his brash idiocy—and scissorkicks—often pre-empted by his notoriously rather self-righteous declarations. Still, the guy’s got the charm and stamina to back up his arrogance, providing for nothing short of an electrifying performance.
After the 2012 release of Lex Hives, their fifth studio album, the Hives have spent the past year amping up audiences around the world. Lucky for you, they’re culminating the year right here in the States, and we’ve got tickets to their DC show. Bonus: opening the show is the up-and-coming Ex Hex, punk goddess Mary Timony’s new project recently creating buzz across the indie wire.
The show is set for Tuesday, December 10 at 9:30 Club. To enter to win, tell us your favorite band of the early 2000s.
A winner will be chosen at noon on Monday, December 9. Tickets are still available.
