Stereophonics Kind

With that hard-won richness to his vocals, it was perhaps inevitable that Kelly Jones would try guiding Stereophonics towards countrified plains. Don’t panic: This isn’t some calculated, Stetson-donning lurch for the Nashville dollar; it’s far more becoming. This is the Welsh rockers at their heartiest, and the country tinges suit these sincere, earnestly affecting songs. “Street of Orange Light” might be their most gorgeous music since 1997’s “Traffic”, the stately “Make Friends With the Morning” takes it to church, while “Bust This Town” proves that 11 albums in, there’s still the passion to send people hurtling towards the indie dance floor.