The Charlatans returned in January to release their new
album ‘Modern Nature’, their first since the passing of drummer Jon Brookes.
Last night at the Roundhouse, was the final leg of their UK tour before they
head off to Japan. So, was it a night of nostalgia or could the indie veterans
forge a path of relevancy once more?
They opened with the full length version of ‘Forever’ which,
was met with rapturous applause. Has there been a better comeback single? This
is immediately followed by classic ‘Weirdo’ and has the audience dancing like
no-one is watching.
Then came the test for any band of their stature, could they
get the new material across to the audience without them all pissing off to the
bar. The honest answer for tonight’s gig is, yes and no. The slower paced
numbers such as ‘Talking In Tones’, ‘So Oh’ and ‘Lean In’ sadly fell flat outside
of their diehard fans.
However, the crowd are lifted and then some with new tracks ‘Trouble’
and ‘Let The Good Times Be Never Ending’. Introducing two incredible backing
singers and two of Dexy’s brass section transformed ‘Trouble’ form a good album
track to a gospel-cum-indie belter.
Moreover, current single ‘Let the Good Times Be Never Ending’,
became monumental. Everything was heightened, quickened, and played as though
it would be the last thing they ever did. In 15 years of gigging, this writer
has never witnessed a standing ovation for so long, especially during the
middle of a set.
The rest of the set is made up of, what seems like, endless
classics. ‘The Only One I Know’ is still the greatest baggy anthem for our
money, ‘ How High’ has the beer flying and perennial set closer ‘Sproston Green’
is still a colossus force of nature.
Despite the dizzying heights the band have already achieved,
this standard single/album promotion tour feels like a triumph. Getting the new
album from the band after they lost Jon was great, but to see them with this
much passion and love for what do once more was a joy to behold.
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