The Hives officially formed in Fagersta, Sweden, back in 1993, but legend has it they actually started in 1989, under another name, and with a different sound. In any case, they came to prominence in the mid 2000s, during the revival of garage rock. Currently on tour across the UK and Ireland with Arctic Monkeys, The Hives will also be performing on the Other Stage, at Glastonbury, on June 23.
Today The Hives have released their new single, ‘Countdown To Shutdown’, the second track to come from their upcoming 6th studio album, ‘The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons’, via FUGA. You can stream and download ‘Countdown To Shutdown’ here, and pre-order and pre-save ‘The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons’ here.
Watch the video for ‘Countdown To Shutdown’ below:
‘Countdown To Shutdown’ is a fiery track with menacing guitar riffs and electric vocals from frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist. It follows the previous single, ‘Bogus Operandi’, which met with widespread critical acclaim.
Speaking of the track, Howlin’ Pelle said,
“The countdown to the financial collapse? The countdown to the weekend bender you’ve been waiting for? The countdown to your favourite sports competition? The Hives have you covered with Countdown To Shutdown. A versatile banger for all your summer rock needs. Approximately 37% more effective than the closest competitor and sure to help your Q2 and Q3 results. Buy now and watch the stock rise!”
The track comes with an infectious and energetic video directed by SNASK (Viagra Boys), which sees The Hives peer in from outside the floor-to-ceiling glass doors of a stifling corporate office. As the suited-up executives perform the track, the band bursts in and hijacks the show, taking complete, explosive control.
Sixth studio album, ‘The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons’, out on August 11, will be available digitally, on CD, and on vinyl. A special limited edition glow in the dark gatefold vinyl with poster will be available exclusively via the band’s own webstore.
Comprising Chris Dangerous, Vigilante Carlstroem, Nicholaus Arson, Howlin’ Pelle, and The Johan And Only, The Hives are ready to be discovered by a new generation of fans – and of course those who have loved them over the past 30 or so years.
Catch The Hives on their UK and Irish tour at the following:
Wed 14th Southampton, The Ageas Bowl w/ Arctic Monkeys
Fri 16th London, Emirates Stadium w/ Arctic Monkeys
Sat 17th London, Emirates Stadium w/ Arctic Monkeys
Sun 18th London, Emirates Stadium w/ Arctic Monkeys
Tue 20th Dublin, Marlay Park w/ Arctic Monkeys
Thu 22nd Nottingham, Rescue Room – Rough Trade Records
Sun 25th Glasgow, Bellahouston Park w/ Arctic Monkeys
You can find out more about The Hives and their music online on their official website, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
