OF all the dozens of bands to reform over the past year, the Verve’s new album has been one of the most low key.

But what a tour de force this LP is.

Richard Ashcroft remains a hugely inspirational and charismatic performer and the tracks on Forth are worthy of his talents.

First single Love is Noise is at times wacky but always powerful with an outstanding melody and chorus, while Numbness and I See Houses both warrant attention too.

In reality there is barely a weak track on here.

This is a an outstanding return to form for a band who had disappeared off the radar.

Their reemergence is to be saluted.