The gruff Welsh rockers present more dreary, run of the mill guitar rock tunes on album number seven, with a handful of redeeming moments preventing it from being truly dreadful.

Whatever happened to Stereophonics? What happened to that sprightly, fresh faced young band that burst onto the Britpop scene in 1997 with an exuberant, witty and still underrated debut album that hinted at remnants of darkness and tragedy brewing just beneath its jaunty surface? Whatever happened, it's been all downhill since 'Word Gets Around', and 'Keep Calm and Carry On' does little to change that.

So, what's to say about the Welsh rockers' seventh studio album? It's largely bland, forgettable and downright dull guitar rock, but Stereophonics have been churning out this sort of crud for the best part of a decade so no surprises there. Particular atrocities include the repetitive 'Uppercut' with its oh so familiar 'Na Na' style chorus, and the insipid 'Could You Be The One?' with its recycled lyrics - one of many tracks to outstay its welcome.

Thankfully, it's not all total drivel. At the very least, the 'Phonics come out of their comfort zone slightly for 'Beerbottle', experimenting with a slow synth pulse and other electronic intrusions. A jabbing guitar chorus and piano bridge recommend 'Stuck In A Rut', while 'I Got Your Number' has a strong bassline, memorable hook and smashing drums that give it a certain edge. But, when the best thing on offer is a song that involves counting, it's a pretty sad state of affairs.

On the plus side, Kelly Jones still has one of the greatest voices in Rock 'n' Roll; a rasping, writhing snake of a voice. Perhaps that's why Stereophonics haven't gone out of business long ago.