Review:

on 2009-01-20 kennyscheldt Said:

What band hasn't endured lineup changes, breakups, health problems, drug abuse and various lawsuits? It just comes with the territory for being an internationally known and celebrated rock band. Oh pause for a sec... Oasis hasn't had any of those problems... No No. That's for sure. (I hope you can see the sarcasm dripping down the page).

But I'm not talking about Oasis. I am most certainly talking about the bittersweet symphony of The Verve. The band led by vocalist Richard Ashcroft and guitarist Nick McCabe, have mended fences, fixed holes where the rain gets in, and have come back with their fourth studio LP rightly titled Forth.

From the first track "Sit and Wonder," we are reminded why The Verve ended up in our vernacular to begin with. Swirling guitar soundscapes, unconventional yet hypnotic beats, and Ashcroft's effortless vocal performances that I must say are just downright sexy. Sorry JT, Ashcroft is the man that is really bringing sexy back. (And he has better hair than you too).

The sound of this record seems to slowly creep up on you from all directions until you are stuck in the long reverberations of "Columbo" or the soft tender sounds of "Judas." "Love is Noise" picks up the tempo a bit and should make for a nice single.

Glad to see The Verve back and in stride. While this record won't change the music landscape a great deal, it's worth a listen and proves these guys have still got it.


Not Rated