‘I’m powering clothes, that’s how electric I am,” Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist quips, the trim on his LED-encrusted suit glowing as he climbs into the crowd. It’s funny, but on this evidence, it’s not really a joke. As an exhilarating Tick Tick Boom crashes back into the room, it’s easy to believe that the Hives could prop up the National Grid.
Twenty-five years on from their first UK tour, the Swedish punk’n’rollers are full of piss and vinegar, reinvigorated after breaking a decade-plus recording hiatus with two well-received albums in three years, all while playing some of the biggest shows of their career, from stadium support slots with Arctic Monkeys to an upcoming night at London’s Alexandra Palace.
In that context, tonight is a blip – tickets are available on the day despite the gig originally being booked at the larger Utilita Arena across town – but if their pride is hurt the Hives don’t show it. Striding out in matching light-up attire, the word “Hives” spelled out in illuminated baubles behind them, each letter of “the” emblazoned across each of Chris Dangerous’s three kick drums, they fly into Enough is Enough, Pelle windmilling his mic as Nicholaus Arson attacks his guitar.
Pulling 10 tracks from their recent LPs, the revelation is how strong their new material is live. As cartoonish as they can be, the Hives are obviously hungry to prove themselves again rather than settling into the numbing comfort of nostalgia. Paint a Picture’s fizzing powerpop becomes a snarling reminder that they are disciples of New Bomb Turks’ sardonic punk, easily matching the unruly energy of their debut’s Here We Go Again, the evening’s lone deep cut.
It’s a good thing, too, because theirs is not the only killer set by a sharply attired garage-rock band. Fronted by punchy vocalist Michael Bingham, openers Spiritual Cramp are more Stone Island than Savile Row, but their sneering harmonies, slashing riffs and sardonic wit are irresistible. The headliners meet them on these terms, emerging bloodied but unbowed. “You have no choice but to give it up for the Hives,” Pelle yells at one point, and he’s not wrong.
• The Hives play the O2 Academy, Glasgow, 26 November; then touring UK until 29 November
