Stereophonics Oochya!

Ignition Records, Out Now ★★★★★

Stereophonics are still going strong enough after 30 years to release albums that go to No.1 on their release. Their 12th album is a sturdy, unshowy offering from a trio still looking west to America rather than their native Wales for inspiration. Hanging On Your Hinges sounds a little like Eighties ZZ Top circa Eliminator. Singer and lyricist Kelly Jones, while never being the most noteworthy of wordsmiths, takes us on a succinct skip through his life and loves on Right Place Right Time. There is a surfeit of rocky workouts such as Running Round My Brain, Made A Mess Of Me and Do Ya Feel My Love? but anyone expecting surprises hasn’t been paying attention. Slower songs such as Every Dog Has Its Day, Seen That Look Before and the Coldplayish All I Have Is You are phones-aloft anthems ready-made for their upcoming arena tour.