The Hives - London Astoria - 16/12/01
4/5
By: Andy Willson
And now... The moment everyone has been waiting for, following three support bands of varying quality. The stage blacks out, and a huge neon H lights up the audience; they march on in single file, modeling traditional black trousers, black shirts and the whitest of white ties. Indeed, there's no introduction - and it's straight into the first number.
The group seems content to snarl and spit regularly throughout the set and it is only after the third song that we finally get introduced to the band. Screaming Pelle describes each member prior to them bursting into a further two minutes of mayhem, another short song, as well as a set which can mostly be found on the new release from Mr. McGee's label, Poptones.
Unlike before with the other acts, almost everyone in the crowd is jiving, bouncing and shaking; even when the beer cans are flying at the band, this is taken as an affectionate gesture rather than contempt. The real rebel rouser, though is 'Main Offender' and everyone suitably sings along. In fact, such is the nature of the hysteria within the crowd, you soon find yourself asking if this is indeed the 'Air Guitar World Championships' or if the crowd are just merely acting as insane axemen.
Still, no time to linger on this as Pelle says it's the last number to a howling half-hour set which closes with 'Supply and Demand' and we all beg for them to return. As the noise grows, they know that they wouldn't be forgiven should they choose to leave so early. Thus, as they stride back on for two last numbers, the chaos descends over us again; Pelle's tie comes flying off and swiftly disappears into the raging crowd, one lucky punter leaving tonight with more than just fond memories.
So, are they worth all the hype? Big time! Are they - as their debut UK album puts it - actually everyone's 'New Favourite Band'? Absolutely no reason why not! The Hives bring with them a swirling frenzy of passion mixed with class. Some people knew what to expect (those that got tickets for the debut British gig at the Garage) but for others it was a new chapter, and something they will be telling their grandkids about in years to come. The tide will turn, as it always does, but for now they should milk it for every cent, and they seem well equipped to do so.
In the past, Sweden gave us Abba, Rednexx and Roxette but The Hives should surely stand head and shoulders above these pretenders; something very special has been found and should be treasured by all who have been touched by The Hives. Roll on February when they return to slay and infect the Capital.
Artists in this article: The Hives
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