Tyrannosaurus Hives
This Swedish garage-punk band that faced off againstthe Vineson the MTV Video Music Awards in 2002 after the release of is breakthroughVeni Vidi Viciousalbum still sounds like it's in battle mode onTyrannosaurus Hives. Violent songs such as "Walk Idiot Walk" and "Abra Cadaver" jerk forward in a noisy collision of surf guitars, frantic rhythms, and front man Howlin' Pelle Almquist's preposterous barks. He's part ringleader, part instigator, and the main ingredient that keeps the Hives'Nuggets-inspired retro rock from sounding as dated as its influences. Despite a few light electronic touches, the band sticks largely to formula throughout this album but by keeping the focus on its biggest assets--simplicity and volume--it comes out triumphant nonetheless.--Aidin Vaziri