Forget what you know and start from the beginning. I read somewhere one time that it would be easy to jump on the bandwagon and not like the Stereophonics. I know they haven’t always had the best reviews, but I have always thought their style was different and I wanted something to happen with them. All bad thoughts of that nature were quickly thwarted upon listening to their newest venture, Language, Sex, Violence, Other?. There is a reason whey the newest single, “Dakota”, has gone number one in the UK. It is brilliant, and it leads itself to become the perfect song for riding with the top down on a sunny spring day while shouting out loud the lyrics. What a nice move for the trio to make and such a departure from their past efforts. The focus on the electronic effects on front man Kelly Jones’ vocals pays off and the rocked out britpop stands out. The most impressive songs on the album have to be the pre-mentioned “Dakota”, the kickoff track “Superman” and “Deadhead”. One of the coolest things is that the album is parted almost in the middle. The first half being total powerhouse arena brit-rock and then when “Rewind”, the sixth track, comes on things change. The sound mellows out from there on out, but keeps its dirty edge so not to bore. Yes, the album is more rock and riffed-filled than in the past, but that is a good thing. It is so nice to have the Stereophonics back in action and returning to their roots.

Stereophonics
V2

1. Wes Scantlin Cleared Of Domestic Violence Charges
2. Violence Is Golden
3. Adam Yauch Announces “New Yorkers Against Violence” Benefit
4. Stereophonics Reach #1
5. Live: Stereophonics & JJ72 Continue UK Hold on San Francisco