The Charlatans have now had 12 album releases. The band formed in the West Midlands in 1989 and quickly became associated with the Madchester scene. They are a band that have outlived other prolific bands in a career spanning 26 years. Two UK number one albums with the 1990 debut Friendly and their self titled 1995 album are well earned highs, but then the death of Rob Collins in 1996 and the recent loss of founding member Jon Brooks in 2013 made for some tragic lows.
Admittedly, although I know of The Charlatans, I don’t have a great knowledge of their back catalogue. This release, Modern Nature, is an extremely pleasant listen and has been getting some outstanding reviews. Tim Burgess has said the band wanted this to be an uplifting record, and I think they have done just that. It never necessarily sticks to one style, but it always fits together perfectly.
The album starts off with ‘Talking In Tones’ – a very understated first song which does grow on you after each listen. ‘So Oh’ is the next and the first stand out track. It already feels like a timeless classic that will grace the alternative radio airwaves for years to come. ‘Come Home Baby’ continues in the same fashion. Again a very mellow pop single, that builds up momentum erupting in gospel like vocals in the ending phase. This truly is a great beginning to the album, as ‘Keep Moving’ is another top draw tune. With the soulful guitar and lush stings holding the song together, it is another contender for my favourite track on the album.
‘In the Tall Grass’ starts with an organ, picking up bongos and a whispering guitar before Tim Burgess’ voice prevails, letting loose a moody chorus, “Feel free in the tall grass. Letting go of the past”. The song is full of delicious scapes and a funky little jam midway. The light and flowery ‘Emily’ comes next which is then followed by their ode to disco, ‘Let The Good Times Be Never Ending’. Maybe the first song that doesn’t really fit in with the album, although it is still great in its own right and I’m sure it will be a fantastic live.
‘I Need To Know’ introduces dark and complex vibes onto the album. The dramatic strings in the background are bewildering. Smoothly back to the norm starting with some unconventional guitar chords in ‘Lean In’. You could just imagine this would be an outstanding song if the track was covered in swirling reverb. The penultimate track, ‘Trouble Understanding’, is an intriguing listen led by a melodramatic piano. It is also my least favourite on the album, but it does nicely wind the listener down in time for the dreamy psych sounding ‘Lot To Say’. It’s a beautiful final song that makes you long for more.
Modern Nature is an immensely strong album that is full of warmth and fresh energy, showcasing the maturity in the band’s sound. The only criticism is that the overall sound feels too polished. It lacks the feel of a band that has created these songs naturally, but that shouldn’t be something to put you off this majestic album.
Iain Lauder