Unfortunately due to the need for some serious pre gig drinking I missed support act The Driven, although I continue to hear good things about their particular brand of punky pop. The Stereophonics strutted onto the stage with the air of a group that sense impending greatness. Kelly Jones, a classic frontman who combines superb, gravel voice vocals with inspired lead guitar work is the group's focal point, and the remaining members are just as striking. The 'Phonics launched immediately into their debut single 'Looks Like Chaplin' which is a very rocky number, with Jones singing the chorus in a very high voice. The guitar sounded menacing, and already their tattooed bassist was beginning to sweat. Jones introduced the next song as being about "A typical engagement party" the song, 'Too Many Sandwiches' is a catchy tune, Kelly singing "You buy a sequin dress for your chicken breast". The crowd inside the intimate venue were rapidly warming to the band, and each song was greeted with a knowing cheer, welcomed like an old favourite ,which is surprising because the Stereophonics are relatively new.

Next song was the forthcoming single 'Thousand Trees' which isn't as catchy as recent releases yet still largely enjoyable. It gave Jones the chance to kick back, and assume some rock star posses whilst doing some big bad fretwork. Next, "a song about sex" 'Same Sized Feet' captured the crowds imagination and the Stereophonics were in full swing. Recent top 40 entry, the brit pop power pop punky pop number (deep breath) which is the fabulous 'More Life In A Tramp's Vest' was announced as being about a "Fallen architect". The song features a brilliant sing along chorus, and a great solo tucked neatly in. With certain crowd members already calling for it, Jones announced "This is for all those who have their name on their pint glass, Last of the big time drinkers!" another rocky number, yet with a distinctly hummable chorus this got everyone going. The penultimate song was 'Traffic' which I believe is one of the band's best songs. A slower, deeply moving song which features the lines, "We all face the same way, yet it takes all day" and " Do you teach kids how to read, or sell your body on the street?" The way in which, voice cracking with emotion, Jones sings the chorus is glorious. With the anthemic calling card, 'Local Boy In The Photograph' as their set closer the band, coming on to perform as an encore a new b-side, The Stereophonics proved that they are here to stay. Debut album 'Word Gets Around' is out this August and I predict big things for them.

Reviewed by Greg O'Keefe