The Hives Forever Forever the Hives (Indie Exclusive)＜Gold Vinyl＞

After keeping fans waiting a decade for The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, just two years later the Hives returned with new music. If Fitzsimmons was the triumphantly raw comeback they needed, then The Hives Forever Forever the Hives is more in keeping with their usual modus operandi (despite the reports of his death, imaginary Svengali Fitzsimmons is listed in the credits of every track). The Hives envisioned the album as a greatest-hits collection with all-new songs. Often, it delivers on that promise. They scour their body of work for inspiration, offering something for every kind of Hives fan. The hardcore blitz of "O.C.D.O.D." finds Howlin Pelle Almqvist in fine sneering form; "Roll Out the Red Carpet" is a direct, driving descendant of Veni, Vidi, Vicious and Tyrannosaurus Hives. They also riff on music history at large with witty results, starting with the cheeky nod to Beethovens 5th Symphony on the albums prologue. Theres more than a hint of AC/DC in the thunderstruck power chords and cowbell of "Bad Call," though putdowns like "Tried to get rich/Now you live in a van" are the Hives through and through. Likewise, they complement the irony of gang vocals shouting the chorus of "Born a Rebel" with pitch-perfect Duane Eddy twang. The bands enduring war against conformity fits the state of the world in the 2020s, lending a political undercurrent to The Hives Forever Forever the Hives. Theyre revved-up and fed up with toeing the line on the steamrolling snark of "Enough Is Enough," but police sirens give "Legalize Living"s fury a dystopian tinge, and the description of modern life as "a little bit trapped/and a little free" on the Stranglers-esque charge of "Path of Most Resistance" is surprisingly poignant. Here and on the albums other highlights, the Hives explosive sound and formidable musicianship are in perfect harmony. With its shifting tempos and layered sonics, "Paint a Picture"s music is just as audacious as its attitude. However, not every song hits with the same force. The Hives Forever Forever the Hives title track resembles the Strokes deadpan new wave more than the groups signature sound, and while its fun, it feels more like a live set closer than a satisfying finish to the album. Fortunately, the Hives rebellion and joy are well represented on "They Cant Hear the Music," where they vow to "do it til the paint is peeling." While this album isnt quite as adventurous as The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, its among the Hives most consistent. Like its title suggests, The Hives Forever Forever the Hives is a potent reflection of their blunt force, sharp wit, and refusal to sit still. ~ Heather Phares

10年の沈黙を経た復帰アルバム『The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons』(2023年)が全英2位を記録するなど、見事に復権したスウェーデンのロック・センセーションから通算7作目のアルバムが到着! 長年のコラボレーターであるペレ・ギュナーフェルトとマイクD(ビースティ・ボーイズ)をプロデューサーに迎え、今回も揺るぎなく溌剌とした〈らしさ〉を発散してくれています!
bounce (C)大原かおり