Stereophonics - Language. Sex. Violence. Other? (CD)

All Music Guide

Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones roars "Cuz all I wanna do/Is make a mess outta you" on "Doorman," one of many whitehot blowouts from the band's fifth album, Language. Sex. Violence. Other? The album title borrows from the classification code used on the backs of DVDs, and its blunt display instantly pulls listeners toward Stereophonics' nonchalant chutzpah. Jones and bassist Richard Jones have never sounded more brash. The punkinspired spark that made their 1997 debut, Word Gets Around, so impressive is rekindled. This 11song set, which features quick and curt oneword song titles, is matched with sex appeal and an unshakable confidence. Argentineanborn Javier Weyler, who replaced founding drummer Stuart Cable in 2004, is a great fit with Stereophonics' wicked yet sensitive personality. Songs such as the smoldering bass funk of "Brother," the crunchy dropkick of "Girl," and the glossy guitar hooks of "Dakota" find Stereophonics' second coming to be a convincing one. Jones' signature ...vocal grit saunters around the bravado of "Superman" and slow wax of "Pedalpusher" particularly well. This is the studio record they've been dying to make. While their previous four albums all showcased great moments, Stereophonics never fully realized their fullthrottled power until Language. Sex. Violence. Other? Previous singles like "Madame Helga" and "The Bartender and the Thief" were mere glimpses into what this Welsh rock threesome could do if they just built upon their thick, merciless riffs and Jones' roughedged vocals. Language. Sex. Violence. Other? is such an intense studio record. Stereophonics could not have nailed it any better. - MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide Read more Less