STEREOPHONICS first album, Word Gets Around, is one of my favourite records of all time. The energetic tunes and quick fire lyrics of hits like Local Boy in the Photograph and A Thousand Trees, coupled with Kelly Jones distinctive vocals, helped the band
STEREOPHONICS first album, Word Gets Around, is one of my favourite records of all time.
The energetic tunes and quick fire lyrics of hits like Local Boy in the Photograph and A Thousand Trees, coupled with Kelly Jones' distinctive vocals, helped the band capture the best newcomer award at the 1998 Brit Awards.
It is a shame that nine years and five albums later, the 'Phonics have resorted to the kind of plodding cliched rock songs that characterise new release Pull the Pin.
Jones claims the band has taken a new direction, but in reality there is very little difference between Pull the Pin and its predecessor, Language. Sex. Violence. Other.
Bank Holiday Monday and Pass the Buck are both decent enough, while recent single It Means Nothing is a slower song in the mould of Maybe Tomorrow. But I'm sad to say that for the most part it seems Stereophonics are just going through the motions.
MATTHEW GOODING
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