THE HIVES
Summary of the band from Radio 1

Who are they?
Five blokes from a small industrial town in Sweden with weird names: Vigilante Carlsetroem, Dr Matt Destruction, Howlin' Pelle Almqvist, Chris Dangerous and Nicholaus Arson.

How did they meet?
The story goes they were each sent a letter with a time and a place to meet back in 1993. By 1995 they had escaped their small home-town and were known throughout the 'middle part of Sweden'. It would seem the top and bottom part didn't know what they were missing.

What do they sound like?
50's rock'n'roll, 60's garage rock, 70's punk, no 80's Robert Palmer, a bit of new wave. Oh and a lot of punk.

What have they released?
First up was a mini CD in 1996 called 'Oh Lord! When? How?' (good luck finding it), then their proper album 'Barely Legal' followed in 1997 (middle Sweden was pleased). Since then they have released singles, EPs, and the second album 'Veni Vidi Vicious'. You should be able to track down the two albums quite easily. However, their UK label Poptones have helpfully released a compilation 'Your New Favourite Band' containing album tracks, singles and B-sides. It is this we recommend.

What their press release says:
"Punk rock music avec ka-boom... Ahh... The Hives, dressed in black and white, cardinals of cool and modern day purveyors of small town, big time punk rock... where did it all begin...?"

What they say:
"We came over to England, flew here in a plane, came here with some music, riding around in my brain... so turn up that dial, increase the volume, and listen - your new favourite band."