Spiritual setting sees the Stereophonics soar
Spiritual setting sees the Stereophonics soar
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Wednesday, 12, Nov 2008 08:59
For some reason as they have progressed through their career the Stereophonics appear to have further and further divided fans and music critics alike. Some, including this reviewer, claim that since Performance and Cocktails was released in 1999 the Welsh band have slipped into neutral somewhat and apparently decided to take the easy route onto never-ending Radio 2 play-lists.
However, what no-one can deny is that Kelly Jones' voice is truly something sent from the heavens. That gravely voice has every woman who hears it swooning over him and every guy wishing they could sing and play the guitar just like him.
As such, Islington's Union Chapel is a perfect venue for an acoustic set from the Welsh rockers. The gig was part of the Little Noise Sessions, developed by Radio 1 DJ Jo Wiley in support for the charity Mencap, and which has already seen the likes of the Killers and Razorlight play during the last few days.
Despite the beautiful surroundings, Jones was on typical form, swearing in every sentence and mumbling in-jokes to the band. Kicking off with Just Looking - a perfect track for an acoustic set - they rattled through a number of tracks from Performance and Cocktails.
We were treated to a new track which will no doubt accompany the greatest hits out this week, plus more recent songs such as Dakota and It Means Nothing. The highlight of the set was undoubtedly Local Boy in a Photograph; the sight of Jones fully letting rip to a hushed seated chapel crowd is pretty sensational.
As with almost all acoustic performances there had to be a cover and after being told by the powers that be it was time to rap it up due to time constraints of playing in a place of worship (aren't they annoying?!), Don't Let me Down by the Beatles was a fitting end to a storming set.
The combination of a cold winter's evening, a small crowd huddled into an intimate stunning venue and Jones' irresistible voice sent shivers down every spine and the crowd were sent away having witnessed a mighty fine show.
The night wasn't all about the Jones and his guitar though, the support were brilliant too. Seasick Steve was on top form. His stripped down blues penetrated the chapel walls and have almost every foot inside tapping. It's fair to say that the Union Chapel doesn't usually witness an aging Californian, in a John Deere trucker gap, with red braces tangling by his side, standing on the pews and thumping out his set without a mic and at times even without his guitar.
Walking Man has picked up considerable playtime on Radio 1 of late and the highlight of his set was an intimate rendition of the song to an unsuspected member of the audience on stage.
General Fiasco, who opened the show, are definitely worth keeping an eye out for. The Belfast three-piece kicked proceedings off in style and there were little sign of the nerves lead-singer Owen continually referred to, much the delight of the female section of the crowd. What is it with trendy haircuts, skinny black jeans and a large helping of vulnerability that gets the ladies so excited?
A fantastic night with top-class performances in a peerless venue. And to top it all off, it was in aid of charity - what more can you ask for?
Richard James