Forth [Slipcase] (CD - 2008)

The Verve: Richard Ashcroft (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards); Nick McCabe (guitar, autoharp, keyboards, vibraphone); Simon Jones (bass guitar); Peter Salisbury (drums, percussion).

Personnel: Davide Rossi (violin, electric violin).

Audio Mixers: Chris Potter ; Tim Bran; Cameron Jenkins.

Arranger: Davide Rossi.

FORTH (2008) is the Verve's first album since 1997's URBAN HYMNS. Listening to the album, it not only seems that the 11 intervening years have passed in a blink, but that the old-school Verve of the NORTHERN SOUL-era--dark, surging, and hypnotic--is back in full force. While the members of the Verve kept plenty busy during their hiatus--especially singer Richard Ashcroft, who embarked on a successful solo career--something uniquely thrilling is sparked when these four individuals play together.

Opener "Sit and Wonder" thumps along with dancey insistence, offering energetic counterpoint to the album's more dreamy, downtempo moments. "Love is Noise," the album's lead-off single, is classic Verve, balancing Ashcroft's shamanistic croon with Nick McCabe's swirling universe of guitar. The rest of the album follows suit, and while it may not exceed their classic efforts, it is--with its sonic adventurousness, lush atmospheres, and distinctive sound--a welcome addition to their catalogue. minimize