FIFTEEN years in to a highly successful songwriting and performing career, Kelly Jones should have earned the respect of a press quick to dismiss Stereophonics as a blokes n' beer rock band.

He may have to wait a bit longer, but the fans who packed the BIC for this triumphant return - the first date of a nationwide tour - don't give a damn about a cynical media when they can enjoy their boys on this kind of top form.

Blasting in to Bank Holiday Monday from excellent new album Pull The Pin, the first half rattled through crowd pleasers like A Thousand Trees, Drowning and new songs, Javier Weyler pounding away on the drums and Richard Jones pairing up on bass to form a Lycra-tight backline.

Jones himself was in fine voice, a solo spot taking care of Have A Nice day and Maybe Tomorrow, while Lady Luck was a brilliantly executed highlight, along with Local Boy In The Photograph.

Yes, they might be uncomplicated at times - certainly the splendid back projections compensated for the band's distinct lack of dynamism - but they do make a very fine noise indeed.