Chi-town snags just one of two killer Stereophonics sets in America

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

A little after Oasis and Blur but a bit before Coldplay and Keane, Stereophonics slid into the British scene with a lean, driving, no-fills alternative rock attitude. From the late 1990s until now, the guys have headlined gigantic festivals, arenas and sometimes stadiums overseas, even if they can’t get arrested in America where they’ve periodically landed only modest airplay.

The sublime “Maybe Tomorrow” earned the reaction of being amongst the most recognizable for the region, “Step On My Old Size Nines” checked one off in the cheeky storytelling category, though it was Stereophonics’ double-stacked sing-a-longs of “Indian Summer” and “Have A Nice Day” that kicked up the communal feel another notch.

The seasoned band with six chart-topping albums in the UK brought all that experience and excellence to the ridiculously intimate by comparison Vic Theatre, which was insanely not sold out given it was just one of two Stateside dates supporting 2017’s “Scream Above The Sounds.” Nonetheless, those who were privy to precisely the extent of this opportunity were rewarded beyond expectations with a generous performance that delved extensively into Stereophonics’ 20-year history for two-plus hours.

Vocalist/lead guitarist Kelly Jones roared with his gritty growl from the get go of “C’est La Vie,” while bassist Richard Jones (no relation), rhythm guitarist Adam Zindani and drummer Jamie Morrison (with keyboard accompanist Tony Kirkham) continued to be an accomplished rhythm section that kept the punches flying come “Caught By The Wind” and “A Thousand Trees.” “Superman” and “Geronimo” offered a sequential shot of steamrolling aggression, “Mr. And Mrs. Smith” climaxed with a mega drum solo, while a false start of “Sunny” quickly got on track with the front man at the upright piano prior to upping the velocity when plugging back into his main instrument.

The sublime “Maybe Tomorrow” earned the reaction of being amongst the most recognizable for the region, “Step On My Old Size Nines” checked one off in the cheeky storytelling category, though it was the double-stacked sing-a-longs of “Indian Summer” and “Have A Nice Day” that kicked up the communal feel another notch. Throughout any of the above and the many that followed, it was impossible to pinpoint any track’s specific period, which is precisely why the Stereophonics are staying so vital, despite widespread fame eluding the more than deserving act on this side of the pond.