My Amazon Reviews: The Hives "Tyrannosaurus Hives"

Evolution
4 Out Of 5 Stars

The Hives took a huge leap from the collage of "Vini Vidi Vicious" when it came time to make the full length "Tyrannosaurus Hives." They stay as dirty and distorted as before, but the band is even more psychotically punky. "Walk Idiot Walk" sounds like the Rolling stones if Mick Jagger had formed the band in 1978. 'Holwin'' Pelle Almquist has become a better vocalist (listen to how he bellows on "Diabolic Scheme" or "Love in Plaster"), in that he now can roll from a whisper to a full raspy scream.

Again, brutally short at a mere 29 minutes, "Tyrannosaurus Hives" clubs you over the head with manic energy. Cymbal Smasher Chris Dangerous rides the high hats like a buzzsaw, and Dr Matt Destruction, besides being one of rock's odder looking characters, puts his bass pedal to the floor. Add a twin guitar attack with riffs like the ones on "B For Brutus" or "Two Timing Touch and Broken Bones," and you have a record that is like one great big amphetamine rush. Tough to deny and hard to avoid, The Hives may now be the band they love to brag about.