The 'Phonic's' quartet (from left to right) Richard, Adam, Kelly, Javier.
The ‘Phonics’ seventh album is their latest quest for continued success, but it does not necessarily bring them a plethora of new fans. Much of the bands following has derived from years of intrepid hard graft and commitment to producing a representation of ‘rock’, perhaps, which hasn’t been seen before. The whisky, gritty and phenomenal vocal ability of Kelly Jones, the Cwmaman born front-man conjuring backlists of tracks like ‘Local Boy’, ‘Mr Writer’ and ‘Dakota’ underlines the no let up in the ‘Phonics’ accomplishment stretching well over a decade. This, coupled with a few more sensitive and sentimental issues like the down to earth relationship and appreciation Stereophonics has for its fans, thus establishing a profound likeability about them, well in most quarters.
Despite, the laden path which has seemingly been laid out in the ‘Phonics’ decade in the sun, the band and its personal have had to battle through many dark moments, probably leaving their current triumphant status as a very sweet pill in which to swallow. Personal exits from the band, (drummer Stuart Cable in 2003 following a dispute over commitment) aimless firing of ammunition at front man Kelly Jones from press, columnists, bouncers and other musicians alike, did leave a bitter taste reverberating around the inner compartments of the ‘Phonic’ dressing room, but nevertheless the band and Jones, in particular, have managed to push all this into a discarded memory bank and once again come up trumps with their all in conquering skill, on display for all last night.
Keep Calm and Carry On is the band’s latest album and the stage was set at Wembley Arena, the last date in their whistle stop UK tour, where eight new tracks were belted out, but rest assured there were plenty of ‘Phonic’ classics and moments, Kelly Jones passionately throw at the London audience, whilst poised ever so effortlessly straggling his guitar, sporting a sophisticated black shirt and oh yes... the now Elvis esc quiff...one that not too many barbers can attach a sign saying ‘I do know how to do this’ on their CV.
Undeniably memorable, it is hard not to pin-point Jones as one of the greats of modern rock. Ok, he may not be everyone’s milk and two sugars, nonetheless the passion, pride and desire enshrined in him to achieve cannot be doubted and it was a pleasure to see him incapitulated in his state of natural comfort once again, on stage. For starters, a key component to the engineering of live performing is to work with the crowd and to en-sue a relationship with them, but too much and all can go to pot. Interaction is key, but Jones issued a simple remit, “let’s have a party” as the readily tuned musicians went into ‘Innocent’, the bands first release from the album which provides an easy listening pitch, added to the side-bonus of reaching out to most of the crowd, whom may only be familiar with the bands publicised items.
A instant noteback to the ‘Word Gets Around’ album, considered one of their best, exercising exhilarating upbeat guitar tracks, whilst simultaneously pumping life into a crowd, which all night were good, but probably didn’t make the same impact as a cult Cardiff Castle ‘Phonic’s’ outing. ‘A thousand trees’, ‘Traffic’ and ‘More life in a tramps vest’ definitely expelled there is more than enough life left in the ‘Phonic’s’ yet as they seem to exude the passion, musical exposition and impact, they have had at the same time as yester year when they were drilling into the depths of material in their early albums. Stereophonics are a true musical religion.
The obvious tracks, the ‘Pick a Part that’s New’ did it’s job as always, but watching on, the vibe I personally felt from the crowd spoke of its desire for the bands new material. ‘Trouble’, for example, a buoyant burst of rhythmic guitarring, and simple but affective lyrics bought everyone together, one of the band’s key successes in relating to it’s followers, in particular the preceding six albums being songs based on people, ritualising a rapid connection. Too add, a born and bred Welsh upbringing as the stigma for the band, only thrusts injections of support into the band from a passionate country. I’m straying off the gig itself, but the ‘Phonic’s’ are difficult to tie-down you see.
I wouldn’t say that the Stereophonics are reaching the twilight of their career at all, as plenty more musical inhibitions seem to be left in their boisterous genie yet, but the way Kelly Jones handles himself on stage, feeding off the crowds energy, blossoming in the spotlight, sporting one of the finest voices in rock, really conveys how much this man has at his disposal when the people of London are shouting ‘Kelly, Kelly’. This, as hard as it is, should not discount from bassist Richard, Guitarist Adam and lightening drummer Javier whom play their own decisive parts in the make-up of the Stereophonics. Although, a criticism or reference to Adam, would be that he seems a bit stagnated and lifeless (on occasions) on stage, which is unusual to say the least, but maybe fair enough, as Kelly Jones does rightfully steal the limelight, making me as an onlooker crave for his boyish good looks, to want to copy his sense of style (particularly in a leather jacket) and his rustling hair every time I see him in action.
Kelly Jones, the 'Phonic's' front man himself in action.
The emotional ‘Could you be the one?’ bought a tear to a few eyes voicing Kelly’s lyrics around me and the melody behind the vocals bring a real personal feeling to ones love conundrum. ‘Beerbottle’ played in perfect unison, echoed Stereophonics talent in making new substance, different to their old ventures, in turn with tracks like ‘Mr Writer’ written about a journalist who toured with the band for a certain period, before publishing an article criticising the group, refreshing Kelly’s on-going disliking for journalists far and wide, but the song is still a stand-out in the 25 song, strong setlist. For me, the bands new tracks, perhaps if not known word for word by the crowd, made their mark in some style. ‘I got your number’ and ‘She’s Alright’ definitely had a ‘Phonics’ aura about them, with again catchy lyrical play, oozed with strum by strum methodical guitar work underlining perfection.
Keep Calm and Carry On, the Stereophonic's seventh album.
Encore! It was a shame it had to come, but after finishing with ‘The bartender and the thief’ and the band’s only UK number one ‘Dakota’, the energy and panache in which Kelly and band mates performed with unity was untouchable. Kelly Jones and his Stereophonics give as good as they get, and they indeed do put on the ultimate live show. As confetti fell and glitzy cameras flashed before the ‘Phonics’ set foot into the sunset once more (next stop New Zealand) the warm heartfelt glow on Kelly’s faced as he turned back all but three times to wave to his adoring crowd when exiting the stage, must keep the music bug inside him glowing for years to come. Can the band come back yet again, bigger and better? Yes, they undoubtedly can and they will, whilst others should watch and learn. Kids pay special attention to Mr K Jones, as genius’s only come once a lifetime.
Here is Thursday nights setlist:
Innocent
A thousand trees
More life in a tramps vest
Vegas two times
I got your number
Pick a part thats new
Superman
Uppercut
Stuck in a rut
Maybe tomorrow
I wouldn't believe your radio
Live n love
Trouble
Could you be the one?
Mr.Writer
Same size feet
Beerbottle
Have a nice day
Caravan holiday
Just looking
Traffic
Local boy in the photograph
Encore:
She's alright
The bartender and the thief
Dakota
A Few favourite lyrics of mine from the new album:
Innocent:
I remember walking around the streets at night
I remember people talking about their lives
One of us never made it home that night
Drunken high got the better of her mind
Jenny Died
The setting sun with music on
The risk and day was...
You canґt see when thereґs sun in your eyes
You're innocent
You think everything is possible
And nothings gonna get you baby
Everything is touchable
Nothing's gonna beat you in this life
Could you be the one?
Every little thing you do is magic lately
Every single thing that you do is cool
Every little thing you do is tragically hip
Even when you tend to play the fool
Shes Alright
Sandy was from out of town
And I met her at the beach
She drove a white Mondeo ride
Which I thought was kinda cheap
She danced a while and drank some wine
Before she rolled her eyes at me
I picked them up and I rolled them back
And then we swam into the sea
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