Review: The Hives @ The Sound Academy

The Hives @ The Sound Academy
Photos by: Steve St. Jean
Review by: Marie Rupolo

I walked into the Sound Academy to be greeted by a giant sinister face peering from the back wall of the stage. From it’s fingers hung strings attached to the bands equipment. Just as I finished Instagraming the backdrop, out burst Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist and his band of garage-punk Sweeds all dressed in full tuxedos with tails and top hats. The Hives are simply a band of entertainers, which comes with a slight contradiction as Almqvist announced: “We will be the music, you will be the entertainment. Our entertainment.” They don’t just get up and play their instruments- they perform. Further more, Almqvist is not only aware of his “asshole” reputation, but he brags it; “People say I’m an asshole, but I’m just a…MAIN OFFENDER” leading the band into a fan favorite with full force. The Hives commanded the crowd for the whole night, almost making us feel as though we were attached to those strings- demanding more and more energy from everyone constantly. The band pushed the crowd further and further for the reaction they wanted, even coaxing us by declaring that Montreal had been one of their favorite cities to play in. Strong boo’s followed but only lead to the crowds resolve to uphold their cities honor.
The Hives thrive off such a strong and energetic live performance. It seems as though their motivation for making music lies in the opportunity to perform it live… and that’s a completely positive observation. They really do put on a must see live show.

Check out the photos from the show here

Setlist:
Come on!
Try it Again
Take Back the Toys
1000 Answers
Main Offender
Walk Idiot Walk
My Time is Coming
No Pun Intended
Wait a Minute
These Spectacles Reveal the Nostalgics
I Want More
Won’t Be Long
Die, All Right!
Tick Tick Boom

Encore:
Go Right Ahead
Hate to Say I Told You So
Patrolling Days