Reformed Verve release new demo

Richard Ashcroft began a solo career after the band split

Rock band The Verve, who recently reformed, have made a demo of new material available on the internet.

The band released a free 14-minute demo from a London studio recording session, via music magazine NME's website.

The group reunited in June after an eight-year split which saw singer Richard Ashcroft begin a solo career.

He said: "We all decided that rather than meeting for a cup of coffee or a beer, we should meet in a studio where we can do what we do. Straight away."

The demo was the first recording from the first studio session for a new Verve album.

Ashcroft and fellow bandmates Nick McCabe, Simon Jones and Pete Salisbury embark on a UK tour next month.

Formed in 1993, The Verve achieved their greatest success with the 1997 album Urban Hymns.

At the peak of their fame, Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher described them as "one of the most important bands in history".