MAKING two era-defining albums in quick succession has been a blessing and a curse for Oasis.

They have failed to reach the musical peaks and cultural significance of Definitely Maybe and (What's The Story) Morning Glory? with every subsequent release.

So thank heavens for Don't Believe The Truth, which sees the Gallaghers, ably supported by Gem Archer and Andy Bell, finally pull on the crampons, and begin the ascent once more. Even Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey gives them a leg-up on drums.

The album is no masterpiece - not even close - but displays a more interesting side to their musical armoury. Noel has always been a shameless albeit talented plagiariser. He apes Velvet Underground's I'm Waiting For The Man to brilliant effect on the stomping Mucky Fingers.

Songwriting duties are split between the foursome with Liam weighing in with three decent enough efforts. Love Like A Bomb is his "one for the ladies" and will have them rolling over during their huge summer shows.

Andy Bell's fiery, riff-heavy opener Turn Up The Sun is classic Oasis, while the psychedelic Keep The Dream Alive has an epic chorus.

The album is let down by a poor middle section. The Importance Of Being Idle sees Noel produce another of his whimsical singalongs with terrible lyrics and an annoying refrain. Nevertheless Oasis may have just done enough to win back those fans still stuck on that field at Knebworth. If album-closer Let There Be Love, with its unashamedly Lennon-like vocal, can't shift them, nothing will.

Time to start believing again?

Updated: 09:24 Thursday, June 02, 2005