Another year, another Southbound Festival and despite predictions of the opposite, attendance was up on last year, with the vast majority of the attendees opting to camp on site for the weekends festivities. Though this years line-up may not have been at its most buzz-worthy, it was still a fine collection of acts over the two days, with just enough variety to keep everybody happy.

Sydney was expecting its hottest day in 50 years and no surprises, The Hives were taking full responsibility. It was a bold statement. But it was an unsurprising one to come from those garage rockers who have anointed themselves, “The world’s greatest live act” and “Your new favourite band”. The truth is that while they didn’t actually achieve the feat of bringing the sun closer to the earth like they’d said, they still put on one scorching, energetic and shit-hot show at the Metro.

2013 marks the 20th year of The Hives existence, Sweden's gift to rock'n'roll. They were joined at The Tivoli by 1,200 ladies and gentlemen, voluntarily relinquishing their souls to the will of these punk rock messiahs.

Day two of the Falls Festival and all the action is on the Valley Stage. The weather is warm and the crowd is primed for fun. Our photographer John Goodridge was in amongst it all and brings these photos...

Many didn't believe it, everyone thought it was a hoax, but worry and fret no more, for the rumors are true, The Hives really are returning.

The Swedish quintet known for riveting performances, ground breaking sounds and unforgetable moments are back and they are bringing it all to Australia for Falls and shows in Brisbane (Jan 2, The Tivoli), Sydney (Jan 7, The Metro) and Melbourne (Jan 6, The Forum) in January 2013.

Adding to what is already an impressive line up, the crew behind the next edition of the Falls Festival have revealed the next round of artists to perform at both Marion Bay and Lorne over New Years! Plenty more acts are still to be announced, with tickets going on sale from 9am Wednesday.

Check out the recently revealed bands below:

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB (IRE)
THE HIVES (SWE)
DJANGO DJANGO (UK)
SHARON VAN ETTEN (USA)

I was lucky enough to score some time with Chris Dangerous, the phenomenal drummer for Swedish rockers, The Hives, this week and to say that I was freaking out was a slight understatement. I'd heard horror stories of other interviews conducted with the band in the past and so there was about 80% of me that was expecting many things to go wrong. I was in luck though, as my chat with Dangerous about the new Hives record Lex Hives went off without any major hitches. Apart from a bout of jet lag, Dangerous was more than happy to open up about what drives The Hives in doing what they do.

Sweden’s The Hives are back and doing what they do best - rockin’.

The Hives are back! The music video for lead single 'Go Right Ahead' from the new album Lex Hives has just dropped; if you're so inclined, check it out right here.

Massive week! Lots of huge releases from big acts from Laura Marling, Paul Weller, Marilyn Manson, Katy Perry, All American Rejects, The Chemical Brothers and Grinderman to name a few! Also releases from oldies and new local acts such as The Manks as well as dance acts such as Far East Movement and electro from Laps. There’s something for everyone and heaps to get through so get stuck in! Stay posted for next week, it’s going to be another big one!