United Nations of Sound

A British rock band fronted by former Verve singer Richard Ashcroft, RPA & The United Nations of Sound is a solid group that performs with a serious authority not to be dismissed with a casual listen. It takes a seasoned pro like Ashcroft to put across the tender aggression of “This Thing Called Life.” Steve Wyreman’s guitars are crucial to the sound, providing extensive wah-wah workouts that add a glimmer of early-‘70s freakout, while Benjamin Wright’s string arrangements on “Good Lovin’” and “Glory” permit the group entrance into baroque pop and ‘70s soul. Ashcroft adds delicious attitude to “Third Eye” where he tosses out a fine nod to his hero, Mick Jagger. Ashcroft’s facility with classic rock poses and adventurous new terrain gives the tracks an unusual depth that demands proper attention.