’Phonics still on form (From Stourbridge News)

’Phonics still on form

11:47am Wednesday 17th June 2009

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Stereophonics, Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wednesday June 10

Welsh wonders Stereophonics were on dazzling form as they warmed up for their headlining stint at last weekend’s Isle of Wight Festival with a one-off gig in Wolverhampton.

The four-piece’s decision to play to a packed out Civic Hall as a prelude to their Saturday in the spotlight was definitely a smart one.

The crowd went wild as frontman Kelly Jones and co kicked off with the ever-popular The Bartender and the Thief, followed by classics More Life in a Tramp’s Vest, A Thousand Trees and Pick A Part That’s New.

Sporting his trademark leather jacket and sunglasses, Kelly’s voice was just as pleasingly gruff and powerful as ever as he effortlessly rattled off hit after hit spanning all six studio albums – plus a sneak preview of the instantly likeable, upbeat title track from their forthcoming album Innocent.

What the aforementioned Mr Jones lacks in stature he certainly makes up for in lung capacity – with stirring performances of A Thousand Trees and I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio, accompanied by the crowd singing along to every word.

On great form musically, the lads took the tempo down for Mr Writer and It Means Nothing before launching into rousing renditions of Same Size Feet, Just Looking and Local Boy in the Photograph – followed by a standing ovation.

For the encore, Kelly came back on stage alone for a haunting acoustic version of Maybe Tomorrow – again accompanied by the Civic Hall choir!

A young lad was plucked from the crowd to sit on stage to listen to the final number – a storming version of Dakota with a brilliant but exhausting extended drum solo by a shirtless Javier.

Another standing ovation signalled the end of the show, proving the ’Phonics still have a loyal following who are sure to be first in line for tickets for next year’s tour.

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