The Verve: A storm in Wigan

Concise Pop isn't frequently used to describe The Verve; as to 'Brit pop', lets not even consider that one. Sounding like an older, more mature, sibling of Oasis, The Verve are unlikely to write anything under the fashionably punctual 3 minutes of their contemporaries. There objective is BIG music; words like swirling, cathedral sized, tortured and psychedelic, instantly spring to mind. As the Melody Maker put it:

"If you were trying to drill through to Australia, you wouldn't expect to get it done in a few three-minute bursts. Such grand projects need time."

Emerging in 1992 amid a blaze of media hype, The Verve, along with Suede, were heralded as a respite to shoegazing and the Madchester implosion. Nowadays, The Verve stand alone; far removed from the mechanics of the Brit media. With the release of two outstanding L.P.s, they are finally poised to reap the accolades promised at their inception.

This outlook wasn't so promising a year ago. Following their T-in the Park performance the band split. The timing seemed a bit off considering they'd finally seized their potential. But then again, The Verve's career has always been characterised by choices made out of conviction rather than commerciality.

Nonetheless, just like their music, The Verve tend to be larger than life. Like a story from the Bible, resurrection was imminent. However, in its present incarnation, Nick McCabe will not be attending to guitars as usual.

McCabe's departure is said to have been prompted by a disagreement with the rest of the band. The guitarist's preference for the more experimental side of the band's music, in conjunction with some personal intrigues, is touted as reason for the split. Joining the line up, to fill Nick's shoes, is Simon Tong. Again, Tong is an old friend of the band from their school days in Wigan.

The group originally formed in 1990 just outside Manchester, in the small town of Wigan. Richard Ashcroft (vocals), Simon Jones (Bass) and Pete Salisbury (Drums) knew each other from school; while Nick McCabe (Guitars) they met at 'College'. Ironic that the last member to join, should be the first to leave.

It was at the ripe age of 13 that Ashcroft decided he wanted to sing in a band; any ambition to play soccer for Man Utd was shelved. During his schooling, Ashcroft was content to idled his time; his only aspiration: to be in a band. The untimely death of his father from a blood clot, can easily be attributed as one of Ashcroft's greatest motivations.

When the band formed, those still at college dropped out so as to nurture their skills on the dole. Within a year they were signed, a year later their first single, 'All in the Mind' was released. This was followed by, 'She's A Superstar', and 'Gravity Grave' - all of which reached the top of the Independent Charts.

During their first tour the band fuelled the hype and speculation that preceded their original L.P. In Norwich they left the stage after 2 songs: if the audience couldn't be bothered neither could they. Touring also led to the 'Mad Richard' tag. On stage, Ashcroft would leap across the stage with a conviction only found in a drunk or, a madman. Their gigs where described as 'Gigantic' and 'Already Immortal'; this from a band that had yet to release an album.

Wherever the band tour, it's a safe bet their hotel is in for a rough time. In Sweden, during the 'Hultsfred Pop Festival', Aschroft and Noel Gallagher broke into a church in search of communion wine. The motivation for the church break-in, was that the hotel bar had already been destroyed. The Oasis connection goes beyond this encounter. The groups first met on tour. The then unknown five piece was supporting The Verve for the A Storm in Heaven tour. Ashcroft believes they're "kindred spirits". While Noel Gallagher modestly proclaims them as

"the second best band in Britain, a bunch of space cadets led by Captain Rock".

Noel pronounced The Verve's second album, A Northern Soul as the third best album of '95. What's the Story and Stanley Road obviously coming in first and second. The public was similarly just as keen to embrace A Northern Soul. In its first month, it had sold more copies than its predecessor, A Storm in Heaven, had in two years.

The Verve and Oasis also share similar taste in producer Owen Morris (whose recent credits also include Ash's 1977). Morris produced A Northern Soul. To quote Richard: "He's the only person I know who can smash a 30 foot glass window in the studio and then do his job. He admitted he nearly had a nervous breakdown, and I think that's a commendable performance." Morris' near breakdown was brought on by the bands tendency for perfection. During recording, the band refused to release anything under par. History, for example, was the only song recorded in one take. To quote Richard, the recording process involved,

"Four intense, mad months. Really insane. In great ways and terrible ways. In ways that only good music and bad drugs and mixed emotions can make."

The 'Hultsfred Pop Festival' isn't the only music festival graced by The Verve. When your in the business of producing BIG music, it makes sense to play BIG events. Glastonbury, Reading and Lollapalooza are three festivals likely to stand out on their resume.

Whether Ashcroft is likely to recollect his presence at these festivals is a different matter. To quote Ashcroft, The Verve's Glasto appearance of '93 was almost a non-event:

"I actually forgot I was playing. We spent a lot of time blagging in and out before I realised, Oh yeah, I'm in a band! I'm on the stage! Let's go!"

The Verve begun their musical excursion among the clouds. With their reformation, the stratosphere is the limit. From their lofty heights, The Verve are well poised to bring "a bit of Wigan around the world'.

Alex Allegos