When tragic news broke in August 2013 about the passing of The Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes, many questioned whether the remaining memebers
would call it a day. With Brookes very much in mind, they returned at the end
of January to release ‘Modern Nature’.
Whether the band approached the track ordering with fans in
mind remains to be known but, to open with the solemn ‘Talking In Tones’ was
spot on. It allows the listener to approach with caution and gradually be
coaxed into yet another new era for this great enduring band. The new found
electronic production on this track would suggest hanging out with Grumbling
Fur has had positive effect.
The secret weapon of ‘Modern Nature’ is the subtle and
underlying groove that flows through its veins. Former single ‘So-Oh’, stomps (with
a small s) along so pleasantly its impossible to not be completely in awe of
the affection it dishes out. Add Burgess interchanging from his classic deep
gravel vocal and his ‘Wonderland’ falsetto beautifully and you have a classic
on your hands.
‘Come Home baby’ is another fine exponent of this new groove.
The piano loop ties this track together, which, in turn allows the ‘Tellin
Stories’ country-blues chorus comes crashing in. This is sure to be a live
sing-along favourite on their March tour.
Their love of New Order not only resurfaces, but to the same
high quality of ‘Mistakes’ and ‘Misbegotten’ from their ‘You Cross My Path’
album. This time round, ‘Emillie’ trickles along like something from ‘Get
Ready’ but with far more elegance. Meanwhile, ‘Let The Good Times Be Never
Ending’, the track dedicated to Brookes, combine the free flowing nature of New
Order’s guitar playing with some 70s disco production to conjure the highlight
of the album.
Not everything works on ‘Modern Nature’, the stripped back
‘Keep Enough’ fails to spark any emotion. However, reflecting upon the grief
and pain the band went through (and probably still are) to make this album, you
have to stand up and applaud.
The Charlatans have never been afraid to try new things but
who among us would have not forgiven them for sticking to a tried and tested
formula on this offering? Instead, they launched a new era for The Charlatans and begun, yet again, to change people’s viewpoints on what their archetypal sound
is.
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