The Hives
Veni Vidi Vicious (2002)

review by: Michael Walls
Date: 10/8/02

The Hives are the Rolling Stones meet Blur with Paul McCartney and a new punk attitude as the lead singer.

Actually, with names like Nick Arson, Dr. Matt Destruction, Howlin' Pelle, Vigilante and Chris Dangerous – the Hives would probably kick the crap out of Blur.

It's pretty cut and dry with these guys. Either you'll love 'em or you'll hate 'em. This is pure punk rock with some pop sensibility.

It is physically impossible to remain still while listening to this. If you're not dancing or air guitaring or air drumming or taking batting practice on a couple of car windshields, then you'd better check your pulse and call 911, 'cause your dead.

The single "Hate to Say I Told You So" will leave you mentality exhausted and frustrated if you're unable to run around and smash something. The energy and speed with which these guys play is unbelievable. Songs like "Die, All Right!", "A Get Together to Tear it Apart", and "The Hives Introduce the Metric System in Time" are impossible to dance to or air guitar to without pulling something.

Raw guitars, straight drumming with lots of cymbal smashing, feedback and lots of distorted screaming vocals – mixed with addictive pop melodies and catchy rhythms make for a standout CD to play at your next party.