Language. Sex. Violence. Other? by Stereophonics (CD, 2005)

V2 (USA)

4520227004200

3050185252

Stereophonics

CD

2005

Language. Sex. Violence. Other?

Alternative, Rock

Welsh trio Stereophonics' fifth album dishes up seriously powerful hard rock that distinguishes itself in sound and attack from the band's earlier releases. With the exception of a few cuts (the pulsing ballad "Rewind," the expansive "Lolita"), LANGUAGE. SEX. VIOLENCE. OTHER? packs a remarkably ferocious punch. No one would claim Stereophonics are breaking new musical ground here, yet their combination of post-grunge (bringing to mind Foo Fighters and Alice in Chains) and tuneful Britpop (a la the Stone Roses and Oasis) is synthesized in a fresh, convincing way. The opening track, "Superman," builds on an edgy, repetitive rhythm and two voices, one mid-range and one falsetto, before launching into the crunching rock verses of "Doorman," which downshifts to an understated, slinky chorus. The near-danceable groove of "Brother" provides the perfect backdrop for frontman Kelly Jones's fierce, raw-throated singing. The production--pristine, razor-sharp, and full of lush detail--sends every guitar solo and drum fill straight through the listener's brain. This is glossy hard rock that has all the right elements, and is stylish and well-packaged enough to seduce at first listen.

Mojo (Publisher) (p.88) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[F]ierce, minimalistic but definitely pop-sensible hard rock, with a fashionably mechanical sound colouring the rampant rifftasia..."

Phantom Import Distributi

Stereo

1

USA