Album Review: Stereophonics – Graffiti On The Train

The Stereophonics have been a British Indie staple for well over 15 years. Their extensive career has seen them touch base with every corner of the globe, they’ve been though several line-up changes, but their home-turf roots have not changed over time, and this can be felt with their eighth studio album ‘Graffiti On The Train’.

The album is a powerful reminder of how impressive the songwriting abilities of frontman Kelly Jones are. His descriptive words on, ‘Catacomb’ vividly tell tales of sex, drugs and rock and roll, over a driving force of pure Rock music. The track has the full works, dirty soloing, punching drums and even some bad language.

But as you delve further into the record you will discover a much more timid side to the Welshman. ‘Indian Summer’ holds a lovely sound that compliments Jones’ voice wonderfully. It really is the sound we all fell in love with so long ago. Throw in the brilliant string arrangements by the English film composer David Arnold, and it quickly becomes a guaranteed radio hit.

Whilst the album does have some clichés, mainly in the form of song structures and the occasionally weak lyric, ‘Graffiti On The Train’ is still a great listen. The songs are solid, and the production is second to none. But where the record really works is that it still feels like the same band from all those years ago. It’s not guilty pleasure in the slightest, and there’s something in there for everyone.

The album is a powerful reminder of how impressive the songwriting abilities of frontman Kelly Jones are. His descriptive words on, ‘Catacomb’ vividly tell tales of sex, drugs and rock and roll, over a driving force of pure Rock music. The track has the full works, dirty soloing, punching drums and even some bad language.

But as you delve further into the record you will discover a much more timid side to the Welshman.

Check out BBM’s exclusive interview with the Welsh rockers!

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