“Through sadness and adversity shines hope”. That’s what Manchester musician Liam Fray said to The Charlatans’ singer Tim Burgess this week after hearing their new record, 'Modern Nature'. Just over a year after the tragic loss of founding drummer Jon Brookes, The Charlatans are back with a surprisingly triumphant album.
The LP – the band’s twelfth – is, musically speaking, a variation for Burgess & co. The drum beats remain as baggy as the scene The Charlatans joined upon their formation in 1989, while Hammond organs and Latin guitars provide a disco groove.
The optimism of this album is the most remarkable thing – ‘Come Home Baby’, equipped with a soulful verse and a full choir, is as joyous as a band could possibly be following the tragedies The Charlatans have endured. Burgess said that when the band entered the studio, they wanted to play “songs that made us happy”. Having weathered hardship, the band has succeeded in making an uplifting record, giving true meaning to the words of Madchester apprentice Liam Fray.
“Let the Good Times Be Never Ending”, a tribute to the late Brookes, is a particular highlight at 6:31. The verse carries the funk vibe, with backing vocals and drum fills that recall the groove of Steely Dan. Modern Nature is forward-thinking and fresh, two adjectives that don’t usually find themselves associated with a band that has been making music for 27 years. A tip of the listener’s hat is in order for The Charlatans – they have experienced more struggle than many other bands could withstand, and a love for music has seen them through.
RIFFED’S Rating: 8/10
Listen to 'Come Home Baby', taken from 'Modern Nature' via Youtube: