In eight tumultuous years between 1997 and 2005, the Stereophonics released five studio albums, scored twenty Top 20 hits, racked up multi-million sales, and toured relentlessly on an exhausting schedule. Something had to give. "I took time out in 2006 to deal with an illness in the family," says singer Kelly Jones. "I was at the point in my life where I needed to break the cycle of album-tour-album-tour, 'cause it wasn't creative, it wasn't refreshing, it wasn't anything.
After the enforced hiatus, the reunion of the Welsh three piece was an explosive affair. "I'd been twiddling my thumbs, and just picking up my guitar with my mates, it felt like going back to the beginning," according to bassist Richard Jones (no relation, although a lifelong friend of Kelly's). Jamming sessions in London led to such a torrent of material they immediately booked time in a studio in Ireland, ostensibly to record demos. They returned with the guts of an album.
"We did ten songs in ten days," explains Kelly. "In the past I'd be trying so hard to make something right, hone in on every detail, but this time I didn't feel precious, didn't force anything, it just came out naturally." The songs were pouring out of Jones, so much so that he simultaneously knocked out his first solo album, the stripped back Only The Names Have Been Changed.
Meanwhile, Pull The Pin was shaping up dramatically. Musically, it brings together the rockiest and most melodic aspects of Stereophonics in a collection of songs that comes out fighting on all fronts. "In these times, when you can download a track before it's even released, if one song's weaker than the other then it's fucking done, you have to kind of make 'em all stand their own ground," enthuses Kelly. "I think we've achieved the best parts of the band over the last ten years on one record. The energy captured reminds me of when we started. It is the sound of a band happy to be back together."
# Paablo!
said:
you guys are awesomeeeeeeeeeeeee! May 06
Kayla
said:
I have loved your music since 2000! I can't stop playing this new album! I hope you get over to the states so I can have you all sign my welsh flag again! I am planning on getting an Argentian one too for you Javier! Apr 25
SKATE FREEK 80
said:
Dude....Stereophonics is amazing, I found the by accident and now they are 1 of my 3 favorite bands. And pllus, they\'re welsh. Feb 04
said:
ah u shld put up \"it means nothing\" defo. tis amazing. love the vid. xx Nov 13
we are all pretenders
said:
love the sound :) nice vocals Apr 20
It's CoMcAsTiC!
said:
i like you guys a lot, come to boston sometime Feb 28
indiegrl_
said:
hey Boys! i love your music, especially dakota. keep it up i Jan 25
indiegrl_
said:
hey Boys! i love your music, especially dakota. keep it up i Jan 25
gr8estmilkshak32
said:
heyy. omg i love u guys. u guys should put ur song maybe tomorrow up here. thats my favorite song by u. =] Oct 27
nia-pleb
said:
wooohoo ur amazing u lot! and u all come from wals, which is where i come from, where abouts? i come from swansea u all rock my socks! ^_^ Aug 22
Nepfinite29
said:
love ur music..muaxss! Aug 05
soccerdude1616
said:
ya first to post dudes awsome music keep it coming Jun 28
Enara
said:
loving all your stuff Jun 21
babi_oasis
said:
I LOVE THIS BAND. May 19
Saar
said:
I love the song Maybe Tomorrow, The stereophonics ROCK!! May 01
Your comment is being submitted, please wait a moment.