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Swedish rockers putting on a show
Behind the black suits and white ties Swedish band The Hives are a dyed-in-the-wool garage band. Like fellow amped up garage fans Rocket From The Crypt, The Hives enjoyed a burst of mainstream success, particularly after the release of their Your New Favourite Band LP in 2001.
Since then it’s been a bit quieter but they still have plenty of fans. Sadly, Rocket From The Crypt split in 2005, a decision many people hope they’ll reverse someday. They had the true spirit of garage punk rock running through them.
The garage scene was full of great harmonica players. Count Five singer Kenn Ellner played some mean mouth organ blasts on the band’s Psychotic Reaction record. Mick Jagger of The Stones is no slouch on the harmonica either. Keith Relf of The Yardbirds was damn fine too.
