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Tyrannosaurus Hives lacks its predecessor's cohesive vision, but it finds the band in excellent form, exploring universes beyond their own. One of the year's best.
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Tyrannosaurus Hives might be a little more complex and polished than the Hives' earlier work, but it's not overthought at all; even though they've evolved, they know how to keep it simple, stupid.
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They have clearly mastered their craft, and have begun to push it beyond its boundaries without betraying its punk ethic.
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The songs still fly by, but they leave an even deeper impression, and the musical palette has expanded considerably.
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New Musical Express (NME)Thirty minutes of chugging and howling, you go from one killer riff to another with barely a millisecond to recover. [17 Jul 2004, p.46]
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BlenderThe Hives aren't mere jokers, because they mix their novelty-band brio with the genuine anger and disgust of punk rock. [Aug 2004, p.126]
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Alternative PressIt is the best parts of a bar brawl, a naked Twister party and a street race in one cumulative package. [Sep 2004, p.117]
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The Hives’ propulsive, polyrhythmic outbursts are so packed with hooks and catchy choruses that you can’t help but overlook the schtick and give in to the raucous delight.
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Tyrannosaurus Hives has hit garage rock's heart like a huge syringe of adrenaline, and even if it doesn't awaken the hibernating beast, its furious tempest is a blinding final gasp for a genre that has repeatedly rewarded mediocrity.
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An adrenaline rush of an album that firmly cements their status as one of rock's most exciting new acts.
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The maniacal conviction with which the Hives tear nonsensical pop songs to shreds on Tyrannosaurus is no shuck 'n' jive.
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While the energy never fails, the themes and melodies feel commonplace at times. [18 Jul 2004]
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It's not as hands-down great as the Swedes' last (Veni Vidi Vicious), and a handful of tracks are too-short bursts of energy that only leave you wanting more. But when the band gets rolling with tracks such as "Walk Idiot Walk," there's no stopping it.
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Although pretty catchy, this album is a tad too monotonous.
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Tyrannosaurus Hives is so tight and efficient, it makes Veni Vidi Vicious sound almost like it came from a jam band.
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"Tyrannosaurus Hives" is a good record, but one best dipped into rather than listened to in one go.
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Under The RadarThe Hives' immediacy and tactfully constructed chaos ensures that the last three songs are just as good as the first three. [#7]
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MojoA razor sharp updating of previous themes. [Aug 2004, p.98]
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UncutThe fastidiously rehearsed dementia is better sustained than on Your New Favourite Band. [Aug 2004, p.91]
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Entertainment WeeklyToo many tracks amount to herky-jerky guitar parts stapled together with power but not as much precision. [23 Jul 2004, p.76]
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Tyrannosaurus Hives should add up to more than simply a tighter record with gaudier production values. That it doesn't could spell trouble for a band eager to avoid being sent back down to the minor leagues.
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Even more so than the White Stripes, the Hives have an aesthetic so rigidly codified that it becomes a straitjacket.
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Q MagazineAn intermittently potent album that feels unlikely to etch itself too deeply onto the world. [Aug 2004, p.104]
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In the end, we can’t ignore that The Hives’ best moments are those borrowed (or just plain pilfered) from punk acts that preceded them.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 52 out of 59
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Mixed: 1 out of 59
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Negative: 6 out of 59
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Oct 12, 2017
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AlexisRMar 31, 2006
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scottOct 24, 2005Amazing. Probably would've been huge if the record company hadn't given up on it.