“America! We are The Hives. You love us!” is arguably the best-line-ever from a frontman. The Swedish garage rock band are the touring in support of their fifth studio album Lex Hives, and are more entertaining than ever.
Howlin’ Pete Almqvist’s engaging onstage banter alongside brother Nicholaus Arson’s insane stage antics make for an incredibly entertaining evening of rock, punk, and garage all rolled up into one extremely satisfying live experience. Gracing the stage at Oakland’s gorgeous Fox Theater, The Hives donned their usual black and white suits, complete with top hats and snarky grins.
Allow me to sum up this show for you in two words: f**king awesome!
At most shows these days, the crowd will cringe when the singer announces they are about to play a new song, which was not the case here. The band came out guns a-blazin’, treating fans to instant classics from the new album including the anthematic “Come On” and my absolute favorite of the night “Go Right Ahead.”
Other favorites that surprisingly appeared back to back and early in the set were “Main Offender” and “Walk Idiot Walk.”
The Hives are clearly one of the finest rock bands touring today. Do not miss this show if it comes to your town, and while you’re at it, pick up the new record Lex Hives for a high energy jolt of face-punching, rowdy rock ‘n’ roll at its finest.
