SWEDISH band The Hives have been likened to a velvet glove with brass knuckles - sophisticated and brutal at the same time.

Those lucky enough to get tickets to their sell-out gig at Southampton Guildhall on Monday are guaranteed a fix of the band's unique brand of indie/punk rock.

The band, currently undertaking their world tour, are expected to wow audiences with hits such as Hate To Say I Told You So and their current smash hit Walk Idiot Walk..

Unfortunately for music fans who were slow to get to the box office tickets for the gig went like hot cakes and sold out straight away.

This can be accounted for by The Hives' snowballing success, thrusting them into the mainstream media limelight.

The Hives have already graced our shores this year at the recent Reading and Leeds festivals, but if you missed out and weren't able to grab tickets for the Guildhall show, you'll just have to keep an eye out for future gigs.

To keep track of The Hives' future tour dates visit www.hivesmusic.com.

The Hives at Southampton Guildhall on Monday