Oasis set to bring down Gates

The Hindu Times is from the album Heathen Chemistry

Oasis are expected to go straight into the UK pop singles chart at number one this week, unseating Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates.

The Hindu Times, the band's first single for nearly two years, has received mixed reviews.

But sales of Gates's debut single, a cover version of Unchained Melody, are thought to be on the wane after the Bradford teenager's four weeks at the top.

A spokesman for music store HMV declined to comment on sales of the rival singles, but said nothing had happened to alter expectations of an Oasis number one, and dismissed cynicism about the band.

 Click here to listen to Oasis sing The Hindu Times

"They just need a summer-defining concert or track as a catalyst to get people talking about them again," he said.

There Goes the Fear, by northern band The Doves, was the only real contender besides The Hindu Times, but that was a limited edition, the spokesman added.

The Guardian's review of The Hindu Times, which was released on Monday, was less than enthusiastic.

"Could try harder," the newspaper said.

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The Mirror said the record "follows the old formula - bludgeoning but shop-soiled guitars and a lyric that glories in wanton hedonism and nostalgia".

The Hindu Times comes from Oasis's forthcoming album, Heathen Chemistry.

The band are scheduled to play in front of 120,000 people at Finsbury Park in north London on 5 and 6 July, just before the album is released.