Live Review: Stereophonics

Stereophonics were welcomed back to Australia for the first time in five years to a sea of flag-waving, boisterous fan packed into the Sydney Opera House. Yes, the Welsh flag was waving high as Kelly Jones and his band took to the stage to deliver a tremendous 25 song set on the back of the release of their tenth studio album Scream Above The Sounds last year.

The show had a varied set list highlighting the band's success over the past 20 years, kicked off by one of their earlier singles The Bartender And The Thief. This was followed by Vegas Two Times, and then newer tracks Caught By The Wind and Taken A Tumble. While these songs were packed with the right energy to get the set off to a roaring start (and get the crowd onto their feet), the speed and conformity in which the band whipped through them made it seem like they were eager to get through the performance.

Thankfully things slowed down after this and the band seemed to enjoy themselves more as they pulled out crowd favourites Superman, Have A Nice Day and Maybe Tomorrow, resulting in a turbulent singalong with the crowd. Jones's uniquely raw vocals were in fine form on the night, with no straining or cracks to be heard throughout the two-hour performance. His acoustic version of his own song Liberty, as well as tracks like Graffiti On The Train and I Wouldn't Believe Your Radio, truly showcased what an amazing and well-trained voice he has. 

From screeching guitar solos on Geronimo to the intense, seemingly never-ending drum solo on Mr And Mrs Smith, to the breathtaking build-up on Roll The Dice, Stereophonics know how to transform their songs for a live audience. The addition halfway through the concert of a string-section didn't hurt either, and just in time for their popular Chris Farlowe cover of Handbags & Gladrags (otherwise known as the theme song from The Office).

The night ended on a three-song encore with the fast-paced C'est La Vie and I Wanna Get Lost With You, both from the band's ninth album Keep The Village Alive, before finishing on their most popular track Dakota. Jones started the song off solo before being joined by the band, an awesome light show and a chorus of hundreds in the Concert Hall. The crowd reaction to Dakota was a rare sight, with people jumping and hugging each other and singing at the top of their lungs, pumping their fists in the air. A truly spectacular reaction for a very spectacular show.