|
 Stereophonics:
Language. Sex. Violence. Other? (times music)
Cast your mind back to your schooldays. Wasn't there
always some lout in the back row with a permanent smirk
on his face? Well, Britpop band Stereophonics makes
music for guys like him. On their new album, they're
back to dogged, driving rock without too much intelligence,
and the best you can say about it is that it's infrequently
agreeable.
The headbanging begins with 'Doorman' and 'Brother',
and although 'Devil' is quite undevilish, 'Dakota' is
surprisingly satisfying and well-crafted. By now, however,
you're already quite tired of the whole lads-carousing-in-a-pub
vibe, but there's no respite. Such is the life of a
music reviewer.
The strangely muddy vocals continue: 'Pedal Pusher'
and 'Girl' have you reaching for the fast-forward button,
and 'Rewind'-a quasi-philosophical track dealing with
time past-makes you feel like doing anything but rewind.
If it's Britpop you're after, you're better off listening
to Travis or even Coldplay (shades of whom can be found
on songs such as 'Lolita' and 'Feel').
No two ways about it. Language. Sex. Violence. Other?
has you saying "other" as firmly as possible.
- SS
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