Stone Temple Pilots, Live at the Olympia

Since reforming in 2008, Stone Temple Pilots have toured extensively, battled with their label Atlantic Records and recorded their sixth, self-titled album, released last month. Rolling into the Olympia two years on, it was definitely the time to see whether or not this band was back in town for the money, or contractual obligations.

With a carefully blended set list of old and new the band answered questions without hesitation. Far from seeming tired or bored on a reunion circuit, the band played with the spark of newcomers.

Dean DeLeo's note perfect solos didn't sound practised, they sounded inspired, while his brother Robert, and Eric Cretz tested the foundations of the Olympia to their very limits.

As soon as it was time for song number twelve, Scot Weiland stood centre stage looking like he had been caught in an Amazonian rain shower. Briefly pausing to noodle around between songs as though they were in practise, they launched into 'Plush', and the room exploded with Weiland's vocals barely audible over the sing-along efforts of all present.

Four songs and a final up-tempo encore later and it felt like it was over too soon. However on leaving there was a heat in the air inside the venue, and a collective feeling that fans had paid to see a band sweat it out, at the top of their game - easily as tight and energetic as they have ever been.

SET LIST:
Vasoline
Crackerman
Wicked Garden
Between The Lines
Sour Girl
Creep
Hickory Dichotomy
Bagman
Huckleberry Crumble
Tumble In The Rough
Big Empty
Plush
Lounge Fly
Interstate Love Song
Sex Type Thing

ENCORE:
Dead And Bloated
Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart