Veteran Punk Rockers Reignite With Explosive Cardiff Performance
Howlin' Pelle Almqvist wasn't joking when he declared he was powering clothes with his electric energy. The Hives frontman, clad in a glowing LED-encrusted suit, climbed into the crowd at Cardiff's Depot venue as his band demonstrated they could genuinely power the National Grid with their explosive performance.
Twenty-Five Years Stronger
Twenty-five years after their first UK tour, the Swedish punk'n'rollers showed no signs of slowing down. The band has been reinvigorated following their decade-plus recording hiatus, releasing two well-received albums in three years while playing some of the biggest shows of their career.
Despite the night being something of a blip in their schedule - with tickets available on the day after the gig was moved from the larger Utilita Arena - The Hives displayed no wounded pride. They strode onto stage in matching light-up attire, with 'Hives' spelled out in illuminated baubles behind them and each letter of 'the' emblazoned across Chris Dangerous's three kick drums.
New Material Meets Classic Energy
The revelation of the night was how powerfully their new material translated live. The band performed ten tracks from their recent albums, proving they're hungry to establish their current relevance rather than coasting on nostalgia.
Paint a Picture's fizzing powerpop became a snarling reminder that The Hives remain disciples of sardonic punk, easily matching the unruly energy of Here We Go Again from their debut album. The cartoonish presentation belied a serious commitment to proving themselves all over again.
The openers, Spiritual Cramp, delivered a killer set of sharply attired garage-rock, setting the stage perfectly. Fronted by punchy vocalist Michael Bingham, their sneering harmonies, slashing riffs and sardonic wit proved irresistible.
As Tick Tick Boom crashed back into the room during the headlining set, Pelle's earlier quip about his electric nature felt less like humour and more like statement of fact. When he yelled 'You have no choice but to give it up for the Hives', nobody in the Depot crowd could disagree.
The Hives continue their UK tour with dates in Glasgow on 26 November and further shows until 29 November, including a highly anticipated night at London's Alexandra Palace.
