As popular as they are, there's no denying that the Stereophonics' one-dimensional brand of meat and potatoes retro-rock had begun to get a bit boring. Perhaps the surly-faced trio were just as bored as the rest of us, since their new album finds them discovering the joys of the keyboard - which helps Kelly Jones to give his songwriting formula a much-needed kick up the backside. LSVO bristles with a new-found energy and urgency, blending riff-laden guitar tracks with breezy choruses and even the odd trace of gentle psychedelia. Old fans needn't worry too much, however, since Jones's lyrics are as reassuringly banal as ever. Ever since Mr Writer, Stereophonics have been the band that music journalists love to hate - but this time, even we have to admit that they've made a pretty good album.
