Stereophonics
Language. Sex. Violence. Other?
(V2)
Having inflicted their insipid brand of whiny indie-rock on the clientele of every student nightclub in the land for eight years, the prospect of a new Stereophonics album was about as welcome as an outbreak of bird flu.
But, from the moment the down and dirty synth-edged bassline of opening track Superman throbs to life, you get the feeling you're listening to the sound of evolution. Like the sonic equivalent of developing opposable thumbs, Language. Sex. Violence. Other? is a quantum leap forward for Kelly Jones and co.
Gone are the misguided Manic Street Preachers pretensions and plaintive vocals, replaced by driving, electro-charged guitars and brash lyrics delivered with a growl. The first four tracks fizz past with sleaze-tinged braggadocio, but it's Dakota, a New Order-influenced slice of electro- pop and the band's first British No1, that provides the defining moment. With its oscillating guitars and sing- a-long chorus, it seems custom- made for sunset-swathed summer festival encores.
