Stereophonics – Language, Sex, Violence, Other?

Artist: Stereophonics

Title: JLanguage, Sex, Violence, Other?

Label: V2

Rating: 7.5/10

CORPORATE LINE:
It might be their fifth album, but Stereophonics view Language. Sex. Violence. Other? with the same excitement as a debut record.

It’s a little under two years since You Gotta Go There To Come Back – Stereophonics’ third consecutive Number One album – and the band have been busy touring America, supporting David Bowie and writing and recording. There’s a new member – Javier Weyler replaces Stuart Cable on drums – new working practises, and, a new, super-affirmative attitude. ‘This band is so positive right now,’ says Kelly. ‘We’ve made the most exciting record we possibly could.’

Indeed they have. Language. Sex. Violence. Other? is a magnificent album. Eleven tracks. All killer, no filler. The band agreed they wanted to make something that was very different from their last album. Something that captured the listener straight away, but something that also had a lot of depth. It’s a record that’s already been greeted with surprise by the select few – record company, family, and friends – who’ve heard it. The band happily admit that the common reaction has been amused bafflement, followed by delight. It’s the Stereophonics, alright. Just maybe not as you knew them.

THE GREAT:
“Superman (You Don’t Know What It’s Been Like)” – Has anyone made a good song with Superman as part of the title? They have now! Stereophonics hasn’t sounded this good since Performance and Cocktails.
“Devil” – Jones has a tenacity in his vocals that hasn’t been there in years. He’s spitting out words that ache and creak full of life.
“Dakota” – Absolutely brilliant; sure it’s a radio friendly blitz but good is good and that’s a fact. This is one of the best Stereophonics songs in a long, long time.

THE AVERAGE:
“Doorman” – “Suck my banana” aren’t exactly lyrics that are going to get a band into the hall of fame.
“Deadhead:” – Jones sounds like a dead ringer for Liam of Oasis.
“Brother” – Sounds like Stone Temple Pilots when they actually kicked-ass.
“Rewind” – Sassy and good in some ways and ordinary in others.

THE BAD:
Nothing.

FRANKLY: Stereophonics have done it. They’ve made a record that shows they weren’t a one trick pony. This is one of the best rock albums you’ll hear today.

+ Rae Gun