Live: Stereophonics

Local lads in festive form unwrap their glittering singles and more.

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Considering the location, the time of year and a Number One album in the back pocket, for the first 20 minutes or so, it’s a curiously flat and un-energised incarnation of Stereophonics that greets the well-up-for-it throng.

The subtle menace of Mr Writer still bares its teeth, and though perhaps sitting uneasily next to the breezier elements of Have A Nice Day and Pick A Part That’s New, in truth that’s the band’s strength: sewing together the intimate and grandiose with an anthemic melodic thread.

The sheer quantity of killer singles is also evidenced over a full set, peaking with raucous set-closer Dakota. Job done.

Tim Batcup

Tim Batcup is a writer for Classic Rock magazine and Prog magazine. He's also the owner of Cover To Cover, Swansea's only independent bookshop, and a director of Storyopolis, a free children’s literacy project based at the Volcano Theatre, Swansea. He likes music, books and Crass.