:: Just Enough Education to Perform

Stereophonics

The impressive Welsh band return, after a little start-up hiccup to the release of this new album. They wanted to call the album JEEP, but were going to be sued by a certain car company. So, we get the elongated version. It doesn’t really matter in the musical context however. Whilst they are justifiably big in Great Britain, they haven’t solidified their rightful status in Australia as yet. Maybe another tour in 2002, which looks likely, will be the catalyst to see them make their true mark. They are talented musicians, as shown by two great albums already released. This new album shows a relaxed band in a tight framework, showcasing their pop-rock class with their customary melancholic feel. There is good use of harmonica and backing vocals. Already, “Mr Writer” has been released as a single. It’s a quality song that probably deserved more plaudits. Kelly Jones delivers a beautiful vocal that strikes precisely, alongside a typical indie pop feel. “Have A Nice Day” is a standout track, with wonderful harmonies to make a lasting impression. Incidentally, the video for that song shows the band performing in a room full of naked women. The remaining tracks, including the stylish “Lying In The Sun”, “Nice To Be Out” and “Caravan Holiday” showcase Kelly Jones’s husky voice which produce ironic and satirical opinions on various issues. Kelly and co. have become quite outspoken in recent times and they don’t hold back here, when raising topics of abuse and lack of ethics. Generally, the album has a bigger feel to it – one for the fans to really sink their teeth into. The one thing that really grabs me about Stereophonics, like fellow British band Muse, is the apparent ease in which they strike their music. This is an album to enjoy.