I wanted to start this review off by announcing that Richard Ashcroft was back.. but then I realised he never really left.

Since The Verve officially called it quits in 1999 he’s become a successful solo artist in his own right, releasing three U.K top 3 solo albums, some to mixed reviews.

When The Verve got back together in ‘07 to record their first new material in 11 years, all the Brit popsters (including me) were just a tad excited.

The final product titled simply (and appropriately) Forth. Led by the kick ass first single Love is Noise, the album tore through psychedelic walls of noise and guitars, always steered by Ashcrofts brit-pop vocal cool. The Verve’s relentless quest for epic-ness was a breath of fresh air at a time when most British guitar bands were trying to sound dry and down-to-earth.

So now here we are in 2010 and I want to tell you that Richard Ashcroft is as relevant as ever. His new disc with his new band – RPA & The United Nations of Sound – proves exactly this. This album sees the front man really pushing himself forward both musically and creatively whilst littering the record with those nostalgic, Verve-esque moments that made us fall in love at the beginning.

An amazing string section features on the up beat opener Are You Ready with Ashcroft howling in ultra hip reverb… and in response to your question Richie, YES we are READY. It’s interesting to note that all string arrangements on the album are by the legendary Benjamin Wright , who has worked with artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin and Outkast, and who scored the strings on Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Born Again embodies the free spirited/optimistic tone of this album.. wait.. did I just write that about RA?? Well it seems the drugs ARE working on The United Nations of Sound, with uplifting results. Ashcroft manages to prove he can still pull your heart strings with the melancholy Let’s Do This Thing Called Life and She Brings Me The Music.

How Deep Is Your Man takes a trip down the Mississippi River via Clarksdale then New Orleans and in Royal Highness the riff’ borrows straight from the Velvets Sweet Jane. Both are nice surprises.

Other outstanding tracks include America and the cathartic album closer Let My Soul Rest.

• RPA & The United Nations of Sound is out July 12th.
• Watch Are You Ready?
• Preview the album and the tour.