Concert Review
Band: The Hives
Date: May 22, 2008
Place: Mac Hall, Calgary, Alberta 

Reviewed By: Amanda Waschuk (Calgary Correspondent - Canada)

The tension builds as the crowd is thrown into darkness with only the handwritten, neon sign "The Hives" and a tantalizing beat to keep you salivating for the alternative rock with a twist of Swede that you know is about to encompass the room.  Finally, after about a ten-minute wait, the band bursts onto the stage with an energy that doesn't disappoint, and they keep it up for the next hour and a half.

The Hives have a lot to bring, from their persistent matching black and white suits to intense facial expressions shared by the brothers (lead singer and guitarist) right down to the enthusiasm and love of the game apparent by all band members.  In fact, as the evening ended, lead singer Pelle Almqvist didn't want to get offstage as he continued to coax the crowd to prolong their crazy antics inspired by and dedicated to The Hives. 

With amazing range of pitch by Almqvist and an original guitar sound defining the band, The Hives will "blow your head up" as was the theme of the evening.  Loyal fans out there will understand, the tick tick tick boom equals your head during their show. You have to love a lead singer who does just that, sans guitar.   

Almqvist was quite the comedian with his gestures for everyone to scream and random, witty comments thrown here and there.  Although scripted, as was made apparent by buddy beside me who mouthed all of Almqvist's comments ( [insert city name here] ), The Hives still know how to work a crowd to the point of crazy moshers and crowd surfing.

This attention-loving band fed off the cheers of the crowd.  Taking the mike to his chest to create a heartbeat, Almqvist claimed his revival depended on the intensity of the crowd.  The attention is his medicine. Cocky has been a word to describe this band and true as it may be, it definitely works for them and given their performance, is an acceptable attitude to have. 

Being The Hives first time in Calgary, this was a concert you didn't want to miss.  Suggestion to those with the ability to venture to the rest of the shows: go see "The Black and White Album" tour, you won't regret it.