While it may have been Veni Vedi Vicious that helped break The Hives into North American markets, it was its follow-up Tyrannosaurs Hives which led credence to the hype whichwasbeginning to swirl around the band. While their eccentric stage presencelendsanair of novelty to the proceedings, it is the music which sets these Swedish lads head and shoulders above their fallen “The” comrades and The Black and White Album is a great example of a band who knows how to evolve and adapt to changing conditions, without being stuck in a genre rut. The essence of the early material is still evident (see “Tick Tick Boom”), however it is the retro flourishes on tracks such as “Well All Right” and “Puppet on a String” that showcase a band which can still rock your face off, while challenging you with unflinching willingness to explore new territory.