Stereophonics
Live From Dakota

THE REVIEW

An alien light behind highlights the profile of the dwarf-leader of the Stereophonics, Kelly Jones, who, armed with très cool sunglasses, diligently wields his guitar: this is the (somewhat anonymous) cover of the latest work released by the Welsh trio on the rise.

And so, having overcome adversities such as the internal crisis after Stuart Cable's departure and two or three works that left the demanding fans a bit underwhelmed, just a year after the release of the last album, the fantastic three do not give up and return with a double live album that leaves the average fan with a tear of nostalgia for the old days and a desire to believe again.

Well, let's start with “Superman”, one of the latest singles. The guitars roar, Kelly's voice slithers as always, more rocking than before (well, you'll have to wait for the ballads) but still proof of 'losing the edge': a pleasant and energetic start. We continue with a guitar-laden “Doorman”, and so far we're still on the last album. But then a pleasurable roar introduces the beautiful “A Thousand Trees”; there they are, our dear Phonics of the good old days. Just enough time to recover with the calm and pleasant “Devil” and then they attack with “Mr. Writer”. Kelly's voice drags the chords to the chorus, and you can't help but hum along, taken by the reminiscence of times gone by... but then Jones's meow breaks, giving way to perfectly fitting piano notes, just before his vocal crescendo. That extra move before coming. I don't know about you, but for me, it's enough to experience a first orgasm.

But it doesn't stop here; a couple more pieces, and we arrive at the much-publicized “Maybe Tomorrow”, but that doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't make an impression; on the contrary, I would say it does, it couldn't be otherwise. A few light chords timidly introduce Kelly Jones's little scream, accompanied by shouts and whistles from public lovers, and then it slowly takes shape, so maybe tomorrow you find your way, oh. And let's hope that you find this way, sooner or later.

Well, abandoning sentimentality, we dive into the energetic “The Bartender And The Thief”, and then immediately move on to what I consider to be the best piece the Stereophonics have done to date: “Local Boy In The Photograph” (although I like it less than usual in this live). And so, delighted by this listening, one takes the second disc in hand and waits. It starts with the sweet and melancholic “Hurry Up And Wait”, to be listened to lying down staring at the ceiling while winking at the spiders. Right after, we hear the indispensable “Madame Helga” followed by another gem: “Vegas Two Times”. It flows this way up to “Too Many Sandwiches”, the beautiful and delicate “Traffic” (where you can hear the crowd abandoning themselves in a passionate chorus of the chorus) and the first single from the last album that closes this excellent live; which could only be "Dakota".

What to say... an hour and a half of good listening, good live music, and a dive into the past echoed by the present. It must be said that Stuart's absence is felt by the more refined ear, but Javier Wyler still manages quite well. What else to add? If you're fans, you'll love and envy not having seen them live yet (as I, myself, already do, by the way), if you're occasional listeners you won't be able to not appreciate the energy and melody of certain "historic" songs. Enjoy it.