The music icicle has yet to melt

Has music moved on and left rock behind? Some would think so. With the rise of music steeped in stories told of the streets in sharp, cocksure narratives, gone are the days of sprawling jams filled with wicked riffs, resonating reverbs and an unforgettable chorus. A music critic recently remarked that the music landscape has changed beyond recognition. Maybe he can take his words back after he hears what i just did. It's called The Thaw Sessions and it's by (wait for it) The Verve.

Nine years on since their acrimonious split, the darlings of Brit rock have returned to stage in a music comeback welcomed by many. And judging by their first recorded music in a decade, the Wigan quartet still has rock's midas touch. The 15-minute track is a meandering jam that is eerily spacey yet hauntingly familiar. The vocals still unmistakable - with Richard Ashcroft back on familiar territory again. Three solo albums on, Ashcroft has seemingly found the missing ingredients to what was lacking in his solitary ventures - the rest of his former crew. Nicky McCabe's guitar still rages with intensity and purpose, and Peter Salisbury certainly adds robustness and newfound vitality to the mix on his drums. Simone Jones' bass is laced with funky spontaneity yet falls right in place with the overall music tone.

This is what i truly call a rock apotheosis. Now stuff the rest of the crap you're currently listening to.