Swedish garage rock titans The Hives unleashed their signature chaotic energy within the intimate confines of the KEXP gathering space in Seattle. Recorded in November 2023, the performance captures the band in peak form, fresh off the release of their first album in over a decade, "The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons". The new record marked a triumphant return, and this live session serves as a powerful testament to their undiminished vitality.
Fronted by the impossibly energetic and ever-dapper Howlin' Pelle Almqvist, the band tore through a setlist blending new tracks like "Bogus Operandi" and "Countdown to Shutdown" with enduring anthems such as "Hate To Say I Told You So" and "Tick Tick Boom". Dressed in their iconic black-and-white suits, The Hives delivered the frantic, theatrical, and relentlessly tight performance that has cemented their reputation as one of the best live acts in the world. Almqvist's witty stage banter and commanding presence, combined with the band's sharp, high-octane instrumentation, created an electrifying atmosphere.
This KEXP session is a concentrated dose of what makes The Hives legendary: raw power, infectious hooks, and an unwavering commitment to pure rock and roll entertainment. It’s a sweaty, swaggering, and impeccably executed performance that proves that even after three decades, The Hives haven't lost a single step.