Twenty-five years after their first UK tour, Swedish punk'n'rollers the Hives delivered a high-voltage performance at Cardiff's Depot, proving they are far from a nostalgia act. Frontman Howlin' Pelle Almqvist, clad in an LED-encrusted suit, quipped about powering clothes, but the band's electrifying set made the joke seem plausible.
Reinvigorated after a decade-plus recording hiatus, the Hives have released two well-received albums in three years and played some of their biggest shows, including stadium support slots with Arctic Monkeys. Despite tickets being available on the day for this gig—originally booked at the larger Utilita Arena—the band showed no sign of wounded pride.
Striding out in matching light-up attire, with 'Hives' spelled out in illuminated baubles behind them, they launched into 'Enough is Enough'. Almqvist windmilled his microphone while guitarist Nicholaus Arson attacked his instrument. The set drew heavily from their recent LPs, with new material like 'Paint a Picture' matching the unruly energy of early tracks.
Openers Spiritual Cramp, fronted by Michael Bingham, delivered a punchy set of sneering harmonies and slashing riffs. The headliners met them on these terms, emerging bloodied but unbowed. 'You have no choice but to give it up for the Hives,' Almqvist yelled, and the crowd obliged.
