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Headliner: The HivesOpening Acts: Sahara Hotnights, The Reigning Sounds Date: 08-02-04 Venue: Henry Fonda Theatre Rating: TBA Reviewer: Jonathan Yost
Los Angeles. The City of Angels. And traffic. That was the first thing to put me in a poor mood the night of August 2nd, 2004, the night of The Hives show. After that came security questioning my integrity when I asked about my photo pass (which I didn't get because Security was kind of rough this particular evening). Then, as I was being frisked, my favorite pen was thrown in the trash (how ever was I supposed to keep notes?!) Well, off I went into the Henry Fonda Theatre and grabbed myself a nice spot up in the balcony, where I promptly took a nap. Turns out all that driving made me one tuckered-out boy. Anyways, I woke up about two minutes before the first band, The Reigning Sounds, hit the stage. As the curtain went up, I wondered why the guys in the band looked old. Soon I found out why: they were old. Old in relationship to me, that is. They appeared to be in their mid-thirties, with the drummer appearing to be an accountant on his break, rather than a drummer in a band. As opening acts that I've never heard of go, they were pretty good. The first three songs sounded pretty much the same, but with the fourth song (I would blame my lack of pen, but really, I have no idea what anyone was saying between songs.) came a nice psychobilly beat and rhythm, and after that, every song was a new genre, from old school punk to some classic rock sounds. All in all, not too shabby. Next up, Sahara Hotnights. Now, with the Reigning Sounds, I understood a few lyrics even though the treble in the club was way too loud. With Sahara Hotnights, however, I couldn't make out a word. I didn't really care, though. The stage show was great. It was some strange mix of Bon Jovi and Pat Benatar singing old Blondie songs. Like I said, strange. Small steps in big boots seemed to be the official dance of the four ladies of Sahara Hotnights. Even though I have heard the album, and thought I knew some of the words, I was fully lost as to what song they were singing, or what they said between songs. Maria Andersson's Swedish accent was just too strong for me. As a Southern California resident since birth, I can only understand heavy Spanish accents and that's about it. Anyways, Andersson and bassist Johanna Asplund danced all around while guitarist (and bassist's sibling) Jennie Asplund and drummer Josephine Forsman stayed pretty much where they were. Fun times. It was an excellent show, I suppose it transcended lyrics with the amount of sheer energy put forth by the ladies of Sweden. As they finished their set, I got to hear the girl next to me tell what I assumed was her father how much she wanted to make out with one of the roadies. At this point, I took my cue to get a drink. A couple Miller Lights later I was rocking out to The Hives. Now, this is the show I've been waiting for for months. The Hives' pure presence was driving the kids insane. I was excited to see The Hives, I was really excited. I've heard grand tales of their awesome stage presence and ability to agitate the audience from a stand-still mess of pretentious teen angst into a swelling wave of teen adrenaline. I was NOT let down. I was treated to an amazing fiasco of rock that lasted nearly an hour. Mixing in songs from their new album Tyrannosaurus Hives, as well as some great songs from their last Major US debut, Veni Vidi Vicious, The Hives never missed a beat. With Howlin' Pelle Almqvist screaming in tune with Nicholaus Arson and Vigilante Carlstroem's awesome guitars, and Chris Dangerous and Dr. Matt Destruction's flawless rhythm, it's no wonder that this fairly large venue in the center of Hollywood had two nights of sold out shows. Highlights included a great song off their last album, Supply and Demand, a fast paced love song, according to Almqvist; as well as Diabolic Scheme, a morbid counterpart to Supply and Demand. While the other two bands each just set up their instruments, got themselves into position, and did their things, The Hives all have matching instruments, matching outfits, and even a small stage for drummer Dangerous that lights up from underneath. When bandsput effort outside of the stage, it shows. The Hives put a lot of effort into this, and I appreciate that. Next time the The Hives come to town, I will definitely be in line for tickets. I hope to see you there.
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