Stereophonics
Scream Above The Sounds

Two years after "Keep The Village Alive" brought them back to the top of the UK charts, the Stereophonics are undeterred and have released a new album, titled "Scream Above The Sounds."

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary celebrations of their seminal debut "Word Gets Around," Kelly Jones and his bandmates opted, instead of the usual predictable reissue, for an album of new material. This choice seems fitting since the new work is a fine collection of excellent songs, perhaps their best since the unexpected (but deserved, given the album’s mediocrity) flop of "Keep Calm And Carry On" in 2009.

Recorded between London and the RAK Studios and produced by the loyal Jim Lowe together with Jones, "Scream Above The Sounds" is not the sound overhaul that had been announced some time ago; rather, at least half of the tracks on the album harken back to the most classic and conservative Stereophonics. Exemplary of this are the opener (and new single) "Caught By The Wind," a typical "stereophonic" anthem showcasing Kelly's splendid vocals prominently, and "All In One Night," a lead single that focuses more on pathos and melodic success than on arrangement (very sparse, in line with the old "It Means Nothing").

Elsewhere, there are even nods to the rock 'n roll vitality of the first two albums, as in "Taken A Tumble," which, if not for the slightly updated production, would sound like an outtake from that era. "Geronimo" is a pleasant pub rock track slightly soaked in blues stomp, "Chances Are" after a typically britrock start even ventures into the harder post-grunge, "Crying In Your Beer" is one hundred percent Stones-esque.

The jewel of the album, however, is elsewhere: the poignant ballad for piano and voice "Before Anyone Knew Our Name," a stunning and moving farewell letter to former drummer Stuart Cable, who lost his life seven years ago. An intimate, personal track where Jones truly bares himself and delivers one of his finest performances ever. An absolute gem that will dazzle in the otherwise fiery live shows of the Welsh quartet.

There are even episodes that recall the band's pleasant fixation on American rock, which produced a highly underrated album like "Just Enough Education To Perform"; take "Boy On A Bike" (a small number for guitar and voice) and "Elevators," the closing track of the album with a country flair.

An excellent album this "Scream Above The Sounds," which contributes to enshrining a band now destined to become a classic of British rock.

Best track: Before Anyone Knew Our Name