The Verve

Forth (Megaforce/Parlophone)

By Marisa Iacobucci
Published: August 23rd, 2008 | 9:00am

They haven't released new material in over a decade or played on the same stage since 1998. In fact, after the Verve split up in 1999, lead singer Richard Ashcroft was quoted as saying that "it was more likely that all four of the Beatles would get back together than the Verve reuniting as a band." Well, we know the nineties were full of angst, and enough time has passed for the band to kiss and make up. The Verve are officially back together and spreading their love with a reunion album entitled Forth, and loyal fans — you know who you are — all of you who still swear that "Bittersweet Symphony" is the best "Urban Hymn" ever (and who could forget that video?), you won't be disappointed with these new tunes.

"Love Is Noise," the album's first single, is a happy jolt down memory lane; it's an instant reminder of why the Verve's Brit-pop anthems topped the charts during their heyday. At first listen, the stringing guitars, bass thumps, and Ashcroft's soulful belting of heavy-loaded yet catchy lyrics will put you into a true Verve trance. Elsewhere on the album, the band delivers altogether classic rock songs with tight rhythms, quality guitar work, and a wide vocal range by Ashcroft. They even manage to test the boundaries of sonic exploration in "Noise Epic," with its minute-long intro of hypnotic shimmering sounds. But die-hard fans, don't worry; the familiar melancholy of the Verve still bleeds strongly in this mix of melodies: A sentiment that is clear in song titles like "Numbness" and "Valium Skies."

Writer's Personal Note to Richard Ashcroft and Nick McCabe: Thanks for finally making nice-nice with each other so you can play for us again!

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