Human Conditions

Richard Ashcroft and his band The Verve seemed poised to take over the world five years ago. Their soaring, majestic single, ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’, had been acclaimed, their album Urban Hymns was selling by the proverbial truckload and they had the mouths and the dead-eyed mystique to ensure acres of music press coverage.

But then the already-strong personal differences between guitarist Nick McCabe and Ashcroft grew and intensified. There were walkouts and reconciliations, quarrels and bitter feuds. Slowly, acrimoniously, the band fell apart.

Since that time, Richard Ashcroft has ploughed his own solitary furrow, releasing his first solo album, Alone With Everybody, in 2000. Although his last effort was poorly-received, hopes were high that this time round, Ashcroft would prove his mettle.

Unfortunately, it seems that it was not to be. Although all ten of these tracks come loaded with gorgeous ornamentation – delicate string arrangements, subtle guitar plucks, resonant brass and tablas – they are essentially weak-hearted affairs. Instead of strong grooves, Ashcroft proffers overwhelming subtlety. Instead of sharp musical control, he revels in a kind of determined uncertainty.

To be fair, there are some stray moments which impress. First single ‘Check The Meaning’ is possessed of a mellifluous, catchy guitar riff, while ‘Science of Silence’ and ‘Man On A Mission’ both showcase pleasantly mellow, anthemic choruses.

But ultimately, Human Conditions is severely lacking in the good tunes department. Neither bitter nor sweet, really.