By Nathan Cross
Staff Writer

Over the past two years the leading men of Oasis, Noel and Liam Gallagher, have done some major growing up. The brothers have moved away from drugs, alcohol and police confrontations. In the process Noel and Liam have grown more mature.

This new found maturity has translated into their newest release courtesy of Epic Records, "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants." With the addition of Andy Bell, bass; Gem Archer, guitar; and new co-producer Mark Stent, of U2 and Bjork; new changes can be heard all over the album.

The album's first track, "F***in' in the Bushes," comes out strong and displays Oasis' musical venture into the future. Haunting keyboard effects, turntable scratches and drum loops prove that the large British club scene has rubbed off on the mates of Oasis. The fact that Noel linked up with the Chemical Brothers in the time between albums doesn't hurt either.

One of "Giants" best tracks is "Where Did It All Go Wrong?" It displays Noel on vocals in a radio-friendly tune with a catchy hook. "Where Did It All Go Wrong" is your typical Oasis mid-tempo rock ballad.

The first radio release from "Giants" is "Go Let It Out," a catchy tune that lacks shabang to propel it into major commercial success on modern radio but one that will add a real sing-along to Oasis concerts in future events.

"Sunday Morning Call" is classic Oasis in the spirit of "Champagne Supernova." Noel's voice moves perfectly through the melodic whinny keyboard, soft tap of cymbals and light guitar.

As good as some tracks on "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" are, others that accompany the gems are merely fool's gold.

"Little James" marks Liam's first attempt at song writing. The name comes from Liam's young stepson, James, for whom the song is written. From the looks of the lyrics for "Little James," James himself might as well have written some of the putrid lyrics. "Live for your toys, Even though they make noise. Have you ever played with plasticine, Even tried a trampoline?" Keep trying, Liam. At least he has good intentions in mind.

And where would Oasis be if it did not borrow from its British role models The Beatles? The band that has been called the second coming of the Fabulous Four, sounds Beatle-esque throughout much of the album on songs like "Roll it Over" and "Gas Panic."

More thievery was involved in "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is." A song that steals heavily from The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues." Noel even goes as far as to steal a line directly from the song, "Hands upon the wheel."

"Standing on the Shoulder of Giants" lacks the big success from earlier Oasis albums but it is put together well and the growing process is obviously seen all over the album. "Giants" has its moments but as a whole can be considered lacking for a band that has made such a big name for themselves.

Oasis has endured a maturing process and still remains as Britain's biggest name in rock. But the question remains whether this maturation is for the better or the worst.