“Sit and Wonder” is toned-up well with a squealing riff and an abundant synth milieu. Ashcroft’s vocals are authoritative, starting things off with intrepid belting over a funky bass-line. “Gimme some light,” he sings over the practical shriek of McCabe’s guitar.
The single, “Love Is Noise,” is captivating and feels almost set for a rave tent as it pulsates with sweaty energy. A club beat courses through the song and the sampling should be good for a crowd sing-a-long moment or two.
Other tracks stretch out The Verve’s songwriting even more. “Judas” is a blossoming and striking tune that ought to be a single with its swelling symphonic force. And the delicate “Valium Skies” might find Ashcroft taking some lessons from the pebbly Liam Gallagher, but it’s as tight a song as the band has ever put together.
The Verve certainly isn’t afraid to push the limits of time, either. Each song on the record tops the five-minute-mark, with the aptly-named “Noise Epic” thrusting beyond eight minutes and two others going over seven. The band is taking their time, leaving their mark, and relating gorgeous rock music without rushing it.
There’s a lot to like about The Verve’s comeback record.
It feels good to hear the original line-up plunking away their usual brand of inoffensive rock and it is refreshing to see that Ashcroft and Co. are game enough to stretch some things. The song structure and writing is as good as the band has done and there’s enough experimenting here to show signs of progress. Some reunions don’t happen for a reason, but with Forth, The Verve proves that their return to rock won’t be a wasted effort.
Article comments
1 - Jen
Very well-written, Jordan! I was really curious about this CD and you're so right-- "Bittersweet Symphony" is that one image of the band that will stay with them forever. Yet, I must admit, I still find myself cranking the song up whenever it's on the radio!