Review:

on 2008-05-29 lekwon Said:

The Hives came into everyone's view in the early 2000's when they promised to revive garage rock. With very confident swaggers, they swept music fans off their feet because they kept to their word quite emphatically. After the greatly acclaimed albums Veni Vidi Vicious and Tyrannosaurus Hives, it seemed as if the world has become addicted to punk-influenced garage rock. However, in 2007 the band seemed to express a desire to expand their sound now that they have done what they initially set out to do. The result is The Black and White Album, a very clean record that managed to conjure some confusion in fans.

The beginning of the record is still the loud, in-your-face Hives, which is well demonstrated by Pelle Almqvist's irresistible vocals in "Well All Right!" At least for the first third of the album, the band delivers their original garage rock sounds. The first spin for a new sound is evident in "It Won't Be Long," where Almqvist sings in some lower octaves than what he is used to. The album then proceeds to a song called "T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S." which was produced by Pharrell Williams. It is an attempt at a groove very reminiscent of Prince, and unfortunately it fails to show that the Hives can cover a lot more ground. "Giddy Up" is also similar in vibe; combined, these two tracks come off somewhat as jokes, and it's hard to imagine that the band was actually comfortable with these final products. However, there is incredible recovery in the later track "Square One Here I Come," which is perhaps the best track on the album for its characteristic swagger and snarl.

The Black and White Album can be deemed confusing. The Hives was always delivering the best punk and garage sounds, but the band's desire to explore suddenly makes us realize that sometimes it's best to stick to one's roots. Essentially, there are only two regrettable songs on this album, which altogether give listeners momentary shock over just what The Hives were thinking. Aside from some stumbles, The Black and White Album is actually a good album that only these four well-tailored Swedish men would be capable of making.
Not Rated