January 2003
Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear All White
Nicholaus Arson tells us why the Hives always look so
smashing
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When Howlin' Pelle Almqvist declares, "We are the Hives, and you love us," you actually believe him.
But why? Besides the fact that they are truly a great band, they know how to bring all of
the best elements of rock 'n' roll together into one
super-tight bundle of energy that makes them impossible to ignore. Take their addictive
brand of frenetic pop punk, throw in a few of their incredibly entertaining live shows,
drop in some smart-ass stage names, wrap it all up in those super snappy black and white
ensembles and VOILA! The Hives are a package deal screaming to be opened. |
(Karl Haglund/ Burning Heart) |
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Visually, it's those snappy black and white ensembles that set The Hives apart from your
average baggy-shorted-combat booted-haven't bathed in weeks-rock band. From the white
ties down to the black dress socks and color-coordinated guitars, The Hives prove that their
style is as tight as their songs. It has been written that they take their appearence so seriously that before one
can get a haircut, they first need to talk it over in a meeting. And even after an
hour-long set of jumping, screaming, and scissor-kicking, they always look impeccable with
rarely a hair out of place. But with everything they do, a cheeky sense of humor is usually
at the heart of the matter. |
Nicholaus Arson (David Atlas/ Rolling Stone) |
According to guitarist Nicholaus Almqvist (aka Nicholaus Arson), the idea for their natty
stage gear started because it, "Annoyed the punks, which made the punk shows we were playing
more interesting". Plus, "It made us look way superior".
Rather than the Stooges or the Ramones (whom they are often compared to sonically),
stylistically The Hives more closely mirror the original punk rockers, groups that,
nowadays, are likely to be referred to as "garage rock". Sixites bands like the Standells,
the Seeds, and Syndicate of Sound evolved in a time where dressing up to take to the
stage was just part of the job. The Hives bring back that sense of theatricality that disappeared
from rock during the past decade. Purists have argued that "rock 'n' roll is only about
the music". However, rock 'n' roll is entertainment, like film or theatre. And one of the
elements of film and theatre has always been costume. Luckily, The Hives already know this
and have made their look one of their trademarks.
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