The Charlatans - Modern Nature (Album Review)

The Charlatans are an alternative rock band from the West Midlands, and they have been around since the late 80’s. They have recently created new album called ‘Modern Nature’ which was released on the 26^th of January 2015. With the classic hit of ‘The only one I knew’ The Charlatans have a non-stop growing fan base. Understandably, they have been off the music scene for the past 5 years after their drummer; Jon Brookes unfortunately discovered he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, after mysteriously collapsing during a performance in the US; shortly followed by the drummer’s death a few years later.

Their first single on the album is called ‘Talking in Tones’ and once the music video was released; all the girls were non-stop talking about it. And the reasons? Nico Mirallegro. Nico Mirallegro enticed the majority of the attention to the music video, due to him being the teenage heartthrob that he is; whilst simultaneously promoting the song.

Talking In Tones – The song introduces itself with a consistent beat assisted by a soft grunge tone. Followed by Tim Burgess’ gloomy, melancholic and rhythmic voice with the line:

“I never liked the fact, and I don’t like to moan. I thought we had a pact, talking in tones.”

I thought it was clever how Burgess managed to weave the title into the first verse of the song, instantly attracting your attention.

So Oh – The second song on the album, again manages to weave the title into the opening verse of the single. This song has a very relaxed vibe, similar to many of The Charlatans songs. Perhaps my favorite song from the whole album? Mainly due to the fact, that the majority of the song is instrumental with only a few words sung in Burgess’ soft voice, which gives it that relaxed atmosphere that they were obviously aiming for. I have taken such a strong interest to this song as it is so cleverly spread out, from  the beginning to end of the record which gives it that unique edge. However The Charlatans are notorious for their contagious, repetitive chorus’ in which this song also provides for you.

In The Tall Grass – They have re-created that African soul beat with the bongos and acoustics for the instrumental within this track, shortly accompanied by the vocals of;

“ooooooo”

To create a mysterious, 90’s discotheque and melancholic atmosphere...

'Emilie' is one of the more upbeat and fast tracks on the album along with ‘Lean In’. The contrast between the speedy instrumental and Burgess’ slow, melancholic voice works ever so beautifully.

“Emilie, just in case I miss you; pass this way again.”

Every album needs a love song, and this gives the album just that.

Need You To Know – Heavy guitars and sharp drums introduce this song, with a rather long instrumental. Surprisingly, I thought this may be a rock song; a complete paradox. But instead it was similar to some of the other songs on the album, with that Pink Floyd 70’s feeling.

In conclusion, I like this album – however for such a notorious band it was mediocre. On the other-hand. I would not necessarily call it over-rated as it has not been spoken about a lot since its release. The only song that has really been spoken about is ‘Talking in Tones’ due to Nico being in the music video. This album has not lived up to its expectations, but I would recommend you give it a listen if you want to relax; as this album reminds me a bit of Pink Floyd due to the melancholic atmosphere they create whilst you’re listening the album.

7/10