Stereophonics (Mercury)
The charge most often thrown at the Welsh trio is that their alt-rock is stodgier than a Slovakian dumpling.
Cue Jim Abbiss, Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys producer, whose kinetic touch brings a lighter, brighter sound to the band’s seventh album.
Innocent is possibly the most buoyant song they’ve ever done, and I Got Your Number the most glam.
But mostly, Kelly Jones just can’t help himself with drippy dross, such as Could You Be The One? No.
ALISON GRINTER
