Hard to Keep Calm About New Stereophonics
More people should know about the Stereophonics.
Stereophonics
Keep Calm And Carry On
Released on May 11, 2010
It was 1939 and the German Blitzkrieg was raging across Europe. As the Nazis knocked at England’s door, the British Ministry of Information prepared three posters with motivational sayings to help the populace endure. The first two, “Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory,” and “Freedom is in Peril,” were each distributed and posted. The third, which read “Keep Calm and Carry On,” was intended for use if the Germans did actually invade the British mainland. Since that never occurred nearly all 2.5 million posters were left in warehouses and forgotten about.
The unused poster came to light in 2000 and has had a cultural renaissance of sorts. The slogan has been printed on various types of merchandise, used as the title of a book and was most recently adopted by the Sterophonics as the title of their seventh full-length release. The irony of that decision is notable. “Keep Calm and Carry On” is an excellent collection of songs which unfortunately not be discovered any quicker than the unused poster.
Formed in 1992 in Cwmaman, Wales the current lineup includes two original members, vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones and bassist Richard Jones, and drummer Javier Weyler who replaced Stuart Cable in 2005. The band has topped the UK album charts with five of its seven full-length releases but this one, released last fall in Britain, did not manage to repeat the feat.
Regardless of the mixed reactions in England, “Keep Calm and Carry On” is an enjoyable collection of alternative rock songs. There is no reason on earth fans of U2, The Killers or Sno Patrol shouldn’t be adding the Sterophonics to their list of favorites. Song after song deftly mixes rock-leaning music with pop sensibility, big hooks and endearing lyrics.
If the band is hampered by anything it might actually be the curse of consistency. While the whole release is filled with ear candy, it does seem to lack the type of breakthrough track that bands need to penetrate the hearts and minds of American fans. The two British singles, “Innocent” and “Could You Be the One” probably are the closest but there really is no power ballad or rallying anthem to be found.
There is however, a collection of really enjoyable Brit-influenced alt-rock so give “Be Calm and Carry On” a listen. Then if you like it, help spread the word so it doesn’t take The Sterophonics 60 years to be appreciated like the poster
High Point
Great collection of British alt-rock reminiscent of U2, The Killers and Snow Patrol
Low Point
The lack of a true breakthrough song to help the band gain a wider audience.
Posted by Mike Stern on May 13, 2010 @ 10:00 am