CityLife

Stereophonics

Stereophonics
MEN Arena
March 7, 2010

It's hard to believe it's some 13 years since Welsh rockers Stereophonics brought us Word Gets Around.

Bringing a festival atmosphere to the MEN Arena, it was the songs that have stood the test of the past decade that shone for the band's loyal following.

Throwing themselves into an impressive two-hour performance of hits from across the spectrum of their seven albums, A Thousands Trees, More Life In A Tramp’s Vest and Same Size Feet were as good as they were when the band broke through with that debut album in 1997.

Habitually headlining the summer’s biggest festivals and now on their seventh arena tour - having first performed in Manchester at The Roadhouse - the Phonics’ ability to deliver modern rock hits has remained steadfast since their ascent to fame.

Perhaps the only change has been frontman Kelly Jones’ rise to sex symbol status, cemented by the frilly knickers thrown on to the MEN stage, raising a smirk from the otherwise focused and cooly confident – read that ‘arrogant’ - vocalist.

Jones’ gravelly vocals and mellow strings made for stunning delivery of sentimental power ballad Maybe Tomorrow, showcased again by the journalist-loathing lyrics of Mr Writer.

Tracks from 2007’s Pull The Pin were noticably absent with the band instead jumping to last year’s Keep Calm and Carry On for more recent offerings including I Got Your Number and She’s Alright.

Upbeat, Have A Nice Day and electro-tinged Dakota – the band’s only number one and the night’s closing number, delivered with cannons of confetti and streamers – reminded fans that just now and again they can surprise with a departure from the classic British rock formula.

Just Looking, flanked by The Bartender and The Thief and Pick a Part That’s New, from second album Performance and Cocktails, was a standout performance of the night.

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