Lex Hives
by The Hives
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
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  1. Pitchfork
    Jun 7, 2012
    48
    The negatives far outweigh the positives... sounds entirely manufactured.
  2. PopMatters
    Jun 6, 2012
    50
    It all seems too clean, too polished, and too shiny. Now and then, there are little hints of the raw power of their early work. But generally it all seems so sadly professional.
  3. Uncut
    Jun 1, 2012
    60
    Album number five is the sound of the law of diminishing returns finally kicking in. [Jul 2012, p.73]
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  5. Mojo
    Jun 25, 2012
    60
    Dynamic, packed with vim and hooks. [Jul 2012, p.83]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    Jun 5, 2012
    60
    They lose steam at times, but by the LP's end, their toga party is back pogo'ing and the neighbors are knocking.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 7, 2012
    60
    Ultimately, Lex Hives sadly conforms to the patchy-at-best trajectory of the band's major label releases, but at least does so while taking a decisive step back in the direction of being the ferocious rock band which The Hives unvaryingly claim to still be, and indeed unquestionably once were.
  8. Consequence
    Jun 6, 2012
    60
    A pretty fun romp of all the things that make The Hives so loveable.
  9. NOW Magazine
    Jun 21, 2012
    40
    This feels more like parody than an honest celebration of rock 'n' roll ridiculousness.
  10. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 5, 2012
    50
    Rumors of punk's demise may be exaggerated, but perhaps someone should tell Almqvist and company that it's long over for them.
  11. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 4, 2012
    40
    [More of their] unchanging plastic punk aesthetic.
  12. Prefix Magazine
    Jun 26, 2012
    50
    They're an insipid, uninspired mess right now, but the Hives aren't done as much as they are confused.
  13. Kerrang!
    Jun 15, 2012
    60
    Lex Hives may not re-write The Hives' rulebook, it does offer proof that this band sounds heftier and, somehow, even more colorful than before. [2 Jun 2012, p.54]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. MassiveVaffels
    Jun 9, 2012
    10
    "Lex Hives" is a collection of songs that will coerce you to willingly jump off a Zeppelin you just impulsively rented and commit"Lex Hives" is a collection of songs that will coerce you to willingly jump off a Zeppelin you just impulsively rented and commit death-defying scissor kicks mid-air during your lunch break. Book a physiotherapist or get a doctor's appointment now because you will be arm-windmilling your way through life in grateful hysterics, and I'm pretty certain The Hives would like you to attend their next live show with your imaginary health bar filled at 100% so they have the task in reducing it to 0.01%. The extra is so you can get home - they look after you. This band feeds off energy and noise, and this album is a courtesy reminder of how much you should appreciate the existence of The Hives.

    The tracks all mould together nicely, but you can easily distinguish each one from another. Third track "1000 Answers" just screams 'come and get me' with a sound that would easily fit in with their third stunner "Tyrannosaurus Hives" (2004). With a soulful breath of experimentation in "Without the Money," and a return to swift, pulsating guitars in "These Spectacles Reveal The Nostalgics," they cleverly conclude with the catchy, horn-enhanced "Midnight Shifter". There is a vast degree of ferociousness unleashed during track 6 of this masterpiece "Patrolling Days." It is the lengthiest song on "Lex Hives," however it gradually carries itself as a powerful anthem which accumulates the bombarding roars of all the instruments along with Howlin' Pelle Almqvist's unheeding bellows of liberation to birth a gluttonous monster developed from a substantial punk diet.

    The Hives deserve all the accolade they can get from their self-produced, self-funded 5th album. Breaking free from Interscope's clutches was always going to be a good move from anyone's perspective. After almost two decades together with the same band members, this band really understands that they don't need to drastically change their sound to appease anyone. From the moment Chris Dangerous hits the drums during the opening track, the mood of the entire album is set - leave no sweat glands unstimulated; it's time to rock 'n' roll.

    There is also a really good reason to get the deluxe version because the Josh Homme produced bonus tracks add a generous touch of spice to The Hives' expanding catalogue. It's a 10 from me for the deluxe version. Welcome to the family, "Lex Hives."    … Full Review »
  2. Blendycat
    Jun 5, 2012
    10
    I will just say it. This is the best record The Hives have ever put forth. I have listened to it literally on repeat all day and I stillI will just say it. This is the best record The Hives have ever put forth. I have listened to it literally on repeat all day and I still cannot pick a favorite track. The Swedes deliver the tunes on this one folks. This will be a shorter review as they have just rendered me speechless. The two Josh Homme-produced bonus tracks are totally worth buying the deluxe edition too. ZOMG SOooo bombastically fantastic (snagged that last phrase from a Crave review/ sorry but no other description does it justice).… Full Review »
  3. AlexxTrusc
    Jun 17, 2012
    6
    Undoubtedly, the great advantage of Sweden's The Hives since the great "Veni Vidi Vicious" is a Pelle Almqvist's vocal and airy, expressiveUndoubtedly, the great advantage of Sweden's The Hives since the great "Veni Vidi Vicious" is a Pelle Almqvist's vocal and airy, expressive and exuberant style of play. A similar style there is presented on the album "Lex Hives" but this kind of playing works out until band presents present more subdued arrangement. Unfortunately, most of the compositions on the album ("My Time Is Coming", "Patrolling Days") are a pure punk songs, where you can't hear potential, and the songs seems only average.… Full Review »
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