2008 Woodie Awards
The Hives - 'The Black and White Album' reviewed
by Adam Asher
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Mosaic
The Hives
"The Black and White Album"
A&M/Octone
Rating: 3 stars (out of five)
Swedish rockers The Hives usually operate in only two speeds - fast and lightning. On their new offering, "The Black and White Album," the sassy Swedes take their energy and attitude back to the '80s and give their audience some of the same post-modern punk mixed with a few indefinable departures.
The first track and single, "Tick Tick Boom," is a classic example of the in-your-face attitude and heavy rhythmic rock that fueled the band's previous album "Tyrannosaurus Hives."
"Yeah, I was right all along / Yeah, you come tagging along / Yeah, exhibit A on the tray what you say? / As I throw it in your face," screams singer Pelle Almqvist on the opening head-banger. His howl is bold and recognizable as ever as he yells through the first few tracks.
On songs like "Hey Little World" and "Try It Again," the boys borrow the high-energy elements of '80s new-wave and surf rock while still holding true to their roots. In fact, the first half of the album sounds like an upbeat yet cocky band with a new, marginally evolved style. However, this all changes with the instrumental "A Stroll Through Hive Manor Corridor."
The song, made up simply of a drum machine and an electric piano, might as well have an Addams Family reference in the title. It showcases an eerie new sound embraced significantly more on the second half of the album. It's still upbeat but Almqvist's howl is toned down, taking away from the usual arrogance that defines the band.
The sound can be attributed to a little help from famous Hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams, a name foreign to Swedish garage rock. The new sounds incorporate the rhythmic synth, making the album a perfect fit for a game of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City." On the second half, The Hives may not have nailed it on the head, but it's close.
Songs like the empty-sounding "Giddy Up" and the disco revival "T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S" take the style change a bit too far. "The Black and White Album" gets better with each listen, but doesn't compare to the brash power and catchy riffs of previous releases.
"The Black and White Album"
A&M/Octone
Rating: 3 stars (out of five)
Swedish rockers The Hives usually operate in only two speeds - fast and lightning. On their new offering, "The Black and White Album," the sassy Swedes take their energy and attitude back to the '80s and give their audience some of the same post-modern punk mixed with a few indefinable departures.
The first track and single, "Tick Tick Boom," is a classic example of the in-your-face attitude and heavy rhythmic rock that fueled the band's previous album "Tyrannosaurus Hives."
"Yeah, I was right all along / Yeah, you come tagging along / Yeah, exhibit A on the tray what you say? / As I throw it in your face," screams singer Pelle Almqvist on the opening head-banger. His howl is bold and recognizable as ever as he yells through the first few tracks.
On songs like "Hey Little World" and "Try It Again," the boys borrow the high-energy elements of '80s new-wave and surf rock while still holding true to their roots. In fact, the first half of the album sounds like an upbeat yet cocky band with a new, marginally evolved style. However, this all changes with the instrumental "A Stroll Through Hive Manor Corridor."
The song, made up simply of a drum machine and an electric piano, might as well have an Addams Family reference in the title. It showcases an eerie new sound embraced significantly more on the second half of the album. It's still upbeat but Almqvist's howl is toned down, taking away from the usual arrogance that defines the band.
The sound can be attributed to a little help from famous Hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams, a name foreign to Swedish garage rock. The new sounds incorporate the rhythmic synth, making the album a perfect fit for a game of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City." On the second half, The Hives may not have nailed it on the head, but it's close.
Songs like the empty-sounding "Giddy Up" and the disco revival "T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S" take the style change a bit too far. "The Black and White Album" gets better with each listen, but doesn't compare to the brash power and catchy riffs of previous releases.
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