The first time we saw the Hives was probably similar to most U.S. fans’ initial experience with the rockin’ Swedes: It was during the Veni Vidi Vicious tour in 2002, and they were playing to a packed club. A very hot and sweaty packed club. For more than hour, singer Howlin' Pelle Almqvist and the rest of the garage-rock revivalists tore through more than 20 of their two-minute, two-chord guitar rave-ups. By the end of the show, everyone – audience members, band members, club staff – were dripping with sweat, beer, and other assorted goo.
Don’t let the fact that they worked with hip-hop producer Pharrell on last year’s Black and White Album mislead you: The Hives still know how to rock the house. You can bend, shape, twist, and do whatever the hell you want to the Hives – they’re still gonna sound like the Hives. (For a complete rundown of the new CD, read my interview with guitarist Vigilante Carlstroem in this week’s Scene.) We have no doubt you’ll leave their show at the Agora on Sunday thoroughly soaked. -- Michael GallucciThe Hives perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the Agora Theatre, 5000 Euclid Avenue. Tickets are $18, available by calling 216-241-5555.
