It’s been over a decade since The Hives released new music, but the Swedish rock icons have returned with a vengeance and an extra large slice of swagger. Their latest single, “Bogus Operandi,” is a taste of what’s to come from their upcoming album “The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons.” The accompanying music video adds a touch of faux-horror to the mix, creating a visual experience that perfectly lines up with the song’s infectious energy.
“Bogus Operandi” bursts out of the speakers with a killer guitar riff that immediately grabs your attention and forces you to involuntarily nod your head to the rhythm. The chorus is pure Hives rock ‘n’ roll gold, designed to be shouted at the top of your lungs in unison with legendary frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist. The lyrics are delightfully throwaway, with Pelle’s howling vocals delivering lines with raucous abandon.
One thing that stands out is the band’s ability to maintain the youthful energy of their early work after all these years. The band rejects the notion of maturity in rock music, opting instead to embrace the raw and rebellious nature of the genre. And this surely shines through on “Bogus Operandi.”
The music video Directed by Aube Perrie is a visual treat, inspired by retro horror visuals set in remote cabins in the woods. It humorously revolves around the death of their fictitious sixth member, Randy Fitzsimmons. The band members make a stylish entrance in their sensible sweaters against a snowy Scandinavian backdrop. The video takes us on a thrilling journey, complete with blood spatter and a flying spade, leading to a grand finale where the band transforms into white-eyed zombies, reuniting with their stage costumes and instruments.
With the announcement of their first album in over a decade, The Hives are ready to reclaim their spot in the rock pantheon. “The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons” promises to be thrilling, fueled by the band’s infectious excitement. The story behind the album’s title adds an air of mystery and intrigue, leaving us wondering about the true nature of Randy Fitzsimmons. The uncovered tapes, suits, and the title itself hint at a fascinating narrative that we can’t wait to explore through the twelve new songs.
As the anticipation builds, The Hives will be hitting the road with Arctic Monkeys this summer, and there’s no doubt that they will bring their electrifying stage presence and showmanship to every performance. Judging from the energy of “Bogus Operandi,” there’s a real danger that The Hives might just steal the show from the headliners. So buckle up and get ready for a rock ‘n’ roll experience like no other, because to date they are still the best band I have ever seen live.
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