The Verve - Forth

Written By: Mario R. Martin

Label: Megaforce Records
Date: August 26, 2008
Myspace:

Buy On:


The forth outing by the Manchester band The Verve is all about ability. Not in your traditional sense though. The Verve’s ability appears in a few new ways. First, it’s dance-ability. The tracks on “Forth” are not only strong, but they are also carefully (if not meticulously) sequenced for the perfect aural pleasure. Ashcroft’s return to form is welcomed with open arms in lead single “Love Is Noise” and the opener “Sit And Wonder” among others, where the raspy-voiced crooner doesn’t strive for anything but perfection.

The high-pitched sounds the singer belts out recall Bono’s style of filling in bars and measures, but it’s done well and with taste. In “Forth” you see The Verve stepping into a U2, Coldplay or Radiohead platform. It’s that strong. Sensibility is a close second. “Forth” finds The Verve going back to the same style that carried them though their last effort, the critically-acclaimed “Urban Hymns”. Over 10 years since the last outing, The Verve stay relevant by simply doing what they do best: writing powerful music and lyrics (Ashcroft), while creating superior instrumentation (McCabe), and blending the two, making a lilting musical impression that is not soon forgotten.