Live Review: Stereophonics

Straight out of the gates with 1999 rocker The Bartender & The Thief - with a little bit Motorhead's Ace Of Spades thrown in - Welsh band Stereophonics return to our mighty state and country. It's been a long five years since they last graced our stages and their fans have remained loyal by packing out the place. HQ is a relatively new venue, this writer's first time in fact, and two giant thumbs up to the amazing sound in here.

The four-piece are here to showcase their new album, Scream Above The Sounds. The new songs fit well among the well-known tracks of their 20-year reign. Caught By The Wind, the new album's opener, had the parts of the crowd jumping up like it was a well-known classic, while the 'Adelaide Choir' helped Kelly Jones and the gang sing their 1997 hit A Thousand Trees.

There were many times throughout the night this writer was in awe of lead singer Kelly Jones' guitar playing. Prowling around the stage, especially during All In One Night and Geronimo, Jones showcased some of the most explosive guitar playing this writer has ever seen. No wonder he wanted to be Angus Young when he was growing up.

With the night is heating up, Jones loses the leather jacket and kicked into Superman - a highlight of the night. Drummer and newest member Jamie Morrison was a marvel to watch throughout the night as he hits the skins as hard as Dave Grohl. He got to showcase his drumming skills with a John Bonham-esque drum solo during Mr & Mrs Smith. Another huge highlight of the night — there were many.

Mid-set they set up a small drum kit front of stage, rolled out a piano and flicked on the fairy lights in order to set the mood for the next three songs - I Wouldn't Believe Your Radio, Handbags & Gladrags and Step On My Old Size Nines. It was a stripped-down affair and showed they didn't need big guitar solos or hard-hitting drums to put on a great show. The crowd all too happy to help out once again with the vocals during these three tracks.

Kelly Jones is looking exceptionally fit, and the band have not lost their firepower over the last 20 years. In fact, Jones seems ageless and his voice is as strong as ever. Bassist Richard Jones - no relation - still knows how to keep that groove going, while Adam Zindani shredded away quietly left of stage.

A solid and awe-inspiring two-hour show finished with a slew of hits - Graffiti On The Train, Traffic, Just Looking, Local Boy In The Photograph - concluding with the big one, Dakota. Everyone, even the security guards, sang along. One of the best shows this year, hands down!