The Verve: 'Love Is Noise'

Released on Monday, Aug 11 2008

Published Sunday, Jul 20 2008, 14:06 BST | By Alex Fletcher | 9 comments

'Forth' LP

Though Jay-Z grabbed the headlines, The Verve were undoubtedly the biggest success story of Glastonbury '08. Everyone with a modicum of common sense knew Jigga would rock Worthy Farm, but Wigan's Brit-rockers had something to prove when they took to the Pyramid Stage on Sunday, June 29. Nobody knew whether they could they reproduce the shuddering space-rock and heart-swelling anthems of A Northern Soul and Urban Hymns after a decade in the wilderness, but they pulled it off with gusto.

'Love Is Noise', their Glasto set closer and comeback single, ends any lingering doubts about the band's reformation. Fears that Richard Ashcroft's dad-rocky solo ventures may have softened The Verve are vanquished by a disco drum beat, an infectious crowing vocal effect and some typically cryptic lyrics ("Will those feet in modern times / Walk on soles that are made in China?"). The result is thunderous, hypnotic and big enough for any stage in the world. It may have taken ten years, but this was well worth the wait.

More: The Verve, Music

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David, London, on August 6th, 2008
The overall style they have adopted for this comeback is good. It sounds contemporary and not just a retread of their old material. The problem is that there is NO SONG. They should have written a good song before putting the fancy production and arrangements into effect. I am amazed that, with their experience as writers and musicians, they couldn't see that this song is weak and barely up to album track standard, let alone first comeback single.

Paul Manchester, on August 1st, 2008
This song is so dull and monotonous and that 'vocal' sample used is probably the most annoying thing I have heard on the radio this year!

Chris, on July 28th, 2008
I loved this when I heard it at Glasto...blew me away....but the single doesn't quite have the same effect..left me a bit underwhelmed...good to see them back though

Jamie, London, on July 25th, 2008
Brilliant

Mercedes, July 22th 2008, on July 23rd, 2008
the verve is the biggest band in the world no matter what.

dean ward, on July 21st, 2008
After loving Northern Soul and Urban Hymns. This lead single is a dissappointment. It's too dancy. It's not typical verve. I hope that "forth" sounds better than this.

William higsby, on July 20th, 2008
I want to kill myself whenever I hear this song. Actually kill myself, in the most most unbearable way, just like this song. BRB going to get my chainsaw.

marc stratton, on July 20th, 2008
one word.... teletubbies

Ken, on July 20th, 2008
i effing love the Verve. I never thought that they'll have a comeback. :)) nice song! but I think this is far than better compared to "Bitter Sweet Symphony" . :)) would love to see their concert in Japan this August. :))