Stereophonics

Unleashing another album chock-full of instant dance club classics, the Stereophonics blend elements of their suave past with a dirty Primal Scream strut, post-Madchester baggy grooves and Garbage-esque song hooks. The smoky vocals are an aphrodisiac amidst the kinetic sound.

Having been derided as the dregs of Brit rock, Stereophonics decided to steamroll the
criticism on their maelstrom of a fifth album. But aside from the melodic "Dakota" and
Nineties-style swooner "Rewind," they sound like a marginally smarter American
modern-rock act, screaming their pain over raw-boned riffs that could sure use some
technicolor pizazz.