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 By Josh Cockaye
With four albums behind them Stereophonics had a lot to live up to on
the arrival of their latest instalment. Such classics as ‘Mr Writer’ and
‘Local Boy In The Photograph’ had set the standard expected for their
sixth album. Minus a drummer on their ‘You Gotta Go There To Come Back’
UK tour, the future of Stereophonics seemed doomed. However suddenly
from what seemed like nowhere came their first UK number one single,
‘Dakota, and the introduction or Argentine drummer Javier Weyler.
‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ is unlike anything Stereophonics have
ever done before; dark, edgy, it has an altogether more rugged edge to
it than its sing a long predecessors. Kelly Jones, Richard Jones and
Javier Weyler have produced a beast of an album, every track so much
darker than any other song they have previously produced. This is the
dawn of a new beginning for a band that had seemingly disappeared.
It is remarkable how this is so similar, yet so different to any of
their previous albums. Weird sound effects open the album with the track
‘Superman’ beginning the LP, giving tremendous hope for what is to come.
The track begins with echoing voices getting louder and louder and as
the song progresses a voice can be heard saying ‘The greatest speakers
of our time’ over a catchy riff. ‘Superman’ is definitely up the with
the all time greatest Stereophonics tracks.
If your only perception of ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ is through
the tremendous number one single, you have been terribly deceived.
Whilst ‘Dakota’ is highly popular with fans and Non-fans alike, it will
be interesting to see whether it stands the test of time like the
previous chart hits have. ‘Dakota’ displays somewhat of more pop-rocky
style music; this in no way honestly gives us an impression of the other
tracks. ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ is dark and dangerous and is a
must for all you rock listeners out there.
Where the strength and wonderful appeal of Kelly’s voice have carried
other albums this is very instrumental. And although the raw, uncut
growl of their front man’s voice still remains, the instalment of Javier
has brought a more instrumental emphasis on melodies and background
riffs.
Whilst old classics can be sang along to with their memorable lyrics,
‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ Is somewhat more of a listening album
and to be appreciated needs to be given time. Whatever you do, refrain
from playing this album just once. Every time you hear it you can find a
new side to the band, whilst ‘Dakota’ may stand for everything they have
been before the darker side to Stereophonics lies deep within tracks
such as ‘Superman’ and ‘Brother’. The album still contains some of their
more relaxed laid back music and this provides some light refreshment to
the upbeat tempo of their livelier songs.
This album has a great amount of variation, although on first listen it
does not seem this way. The title of the album- ‘Language. Sex.
Violence. Other?’ basically sums up how diverse and different this is.
It is a unique listen and this represents a new level to their music.
Stereophonics have grown as a band and this album is a huge leap in the
group’s evolution.
Recommended links:
www.stereophonics.com -
Stereophonics website
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