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. The Boston Phoenix
    Jun 1, 2012
    88
    If there was ever a worry of the Hives maturing- or simply becoming less like the Hives - there isn't anymore.
  2. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Jun 6, 2012
    83
    A fist-pumping, hip-swerving rock record that roars with energy and makes for a most exuberant return to form.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Jun 5, 2012
    83
    Thanks to a few fresh stitches, Lex Hives proves that The Hives still know how to make it work.
  5. Q Magazine
    Oct 12, 2012
    80
    Lex Hives fizzes with the energy of a debut album, the quintet emphatically back to doing what they do best. [Jul 2012, p.103]
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  6. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 13, 2012
    80
    As a whole, Lex Hives serves the same purpose as just about every Hives album thus far: dance, let yourself go, and have a good time.
  7. Filter
    Jun 6, 2012
    80
    Lex Hives won't start a revolution, but it's enough to keep the ghost of CBGB mighty happy in her grave.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 6, 2012
    80
    Let it be said that Lex Hives is amazing.
  9. DIY Magazine
    Jun 5, 2012
    80
    Howlin' Pelle and co... have returned with the pomp, charisma and contagious sense of fun they're known for, with a surprising variety added in to the mix.
  10. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jun 5, 2012
    80
    You know exactly what to expect: high-energy, hugely entertaining garage rock. And, with the odd exception, that's what they deliver.
  11. musicOMH.com
    Jun 4, 2012
    80
    With Lex Hives they not only add further credence to their reputation, they also spit in the respective faces of their many lesser contemporaries.
  12. Alternative Press
    Jun 1, 2012
    80
    Lex Hives redeems them for their previous missteps and their truancy. No skits, no instrumental in-jokes: just rock. [Jul 2012, p.90]
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  13. Under The Radar
    Jun 14, 2012
    70
    Lex Hives, their fifth album in 15 years, has the guys armored up to continue the good guitar fight.
  14. Magnet
    Jun 13, 2012
    70
    Sure, anyone who has ever listened to 14 minutes of classic-rock radio has heard a good chunk of this ... but the energy remains undeniable and infectious. [No.88 p.56]
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  15. AllMusic
    Jun 4, 2012
    70
    All the Hives really need is energy and good songs, and they have enough of both on Lex Hives to bring smiles to their fans' faces.
  16. Paste Magazine
    Jun 5, 2012
    69
    Much like the band's catalog, this record apes everyone from AC/DC to The Stooges with exuberant aplomb.

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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