The Verve
Forth

THE REVIEW

And, finally, four. 

Eleven years, so many, too many. Many missed them, many detractors will curse their return. Sure, old Richard never left us; "Uuuh uh/Let's break the night with coloooour...", he shouted with newfound success on the radio a couple of years ago, but no one expected the resurrection of his most beloved, desired creation.

Only Simon Tong is missing, busy as he is with "good, bad, and queens" with former britpopper deluxe Damon Albarn. The others are all here, indeed. And who would miss the great return? "Love is noise/love is pain/love is these blues that I'm singing again," sings Ashcroft over the danceable carpet of the first single from "Forth", "Love Is Noise" ("it will be a f***ing number one"; word of Mr. Noel Gallagher, one who continues to churn out number ones by the ton).

 Even if the opening induces instant fainting, with that "Sit And Wonder" already heard in the live shows; about seven minutes in which the Ashcroft-band unleashes itself to pay homage to the lesser-known pre-masterpiece production (see "Urban Hymns") with a big piece that few bands can afford to open the game. As if to say, "we're back!", but don't expect only pop songs. Not that the latter are lacking, eh, otherwise what's the fun. "Rather Be" (a perfect insertion between the pop side of "Sonnet" and Ashcroft's "Check The Meaning"), "I See Houses", "Judas" and the beautiful closing "Appalachian Springs" languish and enchant, which is wonderful. When the rhythms pick up, a "Noise Epic" emerges for which Tom Meighan of Kasabian would come to kill. Spoken verse, sudden tempo changes, tight bass, and perfect drumming (in this sense, the work of the revived Peter Salisbury is admirable) make it the undisputed top track of this "Forth", which serves as a guideline even for the next "Columbo". And don't be surprised if the enchanting "Valium Skies" might be the new "Lucky Man"; in this album, the songwriter Richard seems rejuvenated by ten years, and he has also gained greater expressive depth in his voice, making the pieces even more fascinating and accomplished.

 The entire band is great (a guitarist like McCabe is obviously fundamental), following the leader through and through, burying the hatchet and finding an excellent understanding. Despite the next album expected to be Ashcroft's fourth solo, the guys have decided to keep going, and it's a pleasure to see, given the results.

 The first of many "great returns" of this late 2008, therefore, is a great success.

 Let's hope it's a good omen.

 Key tracks: "Sit And Wonder", "Noise Epic", "Valium Skies"