It is as if the new drummer of The Stereophonics woke up the two Jones boys with cold, wet flannels to unleash a new life on the band when he replaced Stuart Cable.

Whatever the reason for Cable's departure (singer Kelly Jones cited commitment issues), the band's repertoire at the Dome Concert Hall of their new album Language Sex Violence Other revealed a grittier side to the Welsh band.

Just as well, really, because support act Casino were setting themselves up as tough acts to follow.

But with Javier Weyler at the drums, Stereophonics produced a rollicking, high-energy performance, mixing the old with the new and perhaps proving their worth to the most sceptical of critics.

Regardless of the rift between the band and the music press, The Stereophonics have relentlessly chugged on and have now given their critics something to mull over.

Their performance could hardly go wrong armed with an album which is their fourth number one and which went platinum a week after its release in March.

Nobody was disappointed, with the album's first track - and the band's first number-one single - Dakota setting the pace for things to come.

It was as if Kelly was facing a firing line, singing for his life as he belted one song after another - Superman, Brother and new single Devil.

His distinctive, gravelly voice did not falter as he mixed the new with the old.

Of course, Mr Writer had to make an appearance (come back Casino) but was met with the same warmth which greeted renditions of the band's older classics.

There was a lack of movement on stage - bassist Richard Jones needlessly remained within touching distance of his mic, as if it was a comfort blanket - but that is just being picky.

Having sold more than seven million records over the past nine years, with four successive numberone albums, 11 top-five singles and several world tours, the lads knew what they were doing.