Stereophonics – Rewind
One of the slower songs on Language, Sex, Violence, Other? Rewind is a complete contrast to Superman, Devil and Dakota. Lyrically I think it is one of the best, a song to really think about and reflect on life to. Lines such as “Do you love your wife? Or did you pick what you were told was right?” make you think about decisions in the past and question them. It makes it a very thought provoking song like some of earlier Stereophonics used to. It is one of those songs that depending on your mood could make you cry easily as it could spark of distant memories. The guitars are slow and distorted which gives the song a bit of an unusual feel, you would expect the lyrics to accompany an acoustic guitar. Overall it is quite a sad song really and certainly not of their best songs but it is one where Kelly’s lyrics are really powerful. Live, the song is surprisingly beautiful but on record I think less of it.
By Helen Daw
Stereophonics – Language, Sex, Violence, Other
The Stereophonics have had a rough time lately. Their previous album saw them achieve huge success and sales. But some accused them of going “soft’. And they sacked their drummer. With their comeback single “Dakota’ doing well. The guys seem to be back, and with a fire that seems to have been out for a long time now.
“Superman” is an angry little ditty about someone Kelly Jones simply seems to hate. “You don’t know what it’s been like meeting someone like you” as you can see he is mad. The bass is at times very New Orderish. It’s a nice welcome change full of rough riffs and some dirty falsettos.Next we have “Doorman,” well just have a look at the lyrics” You look like a monkey scowling at me/ Well suck my banana, suck it with cream” nothing else really needs to be said. “Devil” is a very accessible tune that could be a big single, the hook is made to be played on the radio. “Dakota” is one of the best here. Kelly never sounded so good, the track is just fantastic big riffs, big hook. “Girl” is a fast and frantic song that clocks in at less than two minutes. The phonics almost do a punk song and its really good. “Feel” slows things down a bit to wrap things up. The track doesn’t really do much and is rather boring.
This was a tough album for the guys I am sure. There are some good solid songs here but there are few that just awful (Doorman, Pedalpusher). The new sound and their new attitude is certainly a step in the right direction. They sound hungry and ready to go again.
By John Siwicki
Stereophonics – Dakota
Stereophonics are one of those bands you either really love or loathe. After a very rough year off the scene, they sacked their drummer and found a replacement. On “Dakota” the boys seem to have gotten that bite back. The killer epic hook and that Kelly Jones croon drags you right in. The boys get a little electro and don’t really sound themselves almost. But their winning formula is still there. This is a quality tune.
By John Siwicki
Stereophonics – Moviestar
Kelly and the gang are back with a new tune for us. The song is more of a throwback to the older phonics sound. The lyrics are pretty iffy “moviestar tell me where you are” but they do create a great sounding big stadium song. There is nothing better than being pissed at a gig singing a pop tune. The guitars are there usual self. The song is nothing particular new here. There is a fun time with this song if you’re a fan. If you never were into the band this will not get you in.
By John Siwicki