The Charlatans

Simpatico

A new album, a new record label. The 9th of their career which is quite frankly remarkable. Where contemporaries such as the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses have disappeared into the ether, the Charlatans have continued to make inspired music that continues to please a hard-core of fans, despite mixed critical reactions. Simpatico is no different. It is an album which divides, some will adore the musical direction, others will think that they should hang up their shoes and follow the Happy Mondays into oblivion.

Simpatico presents a darker side to the Charlatans than previously seen. Songs seem inspired by recent events, with song titles like, ‘City of the Dead' and ‘When the Lights Go out in London' attesting to that. This is most unusual as far as the Charlies (as they are warmly known by aficionados) are concerned. We are used to their albums normally abounding with positive rock and roll and only a sprinkling of melancholy.

The first track (and first single) is ‘Blackend Blue Eyes'. This is classic Charlatans at their best. Piano drives the song forward like a bulldozer smashing through all obstacles. In many ways it represents the quintessential Charlatans sound with shades of the Stones laced with a northern, pre-Britpop era Englishness to the music. This is a very strong and confident start, especially as the vocals kick in. But from there on, all changes as the Charlatans look elsewhere for inspiration.

Indeed, as a band, the Charlatans have always sought to push the bar out and explore musically. Most recently, it was with their 2001 album, Wonderland which saw drum loops and a dirty, ragged, LA-rock element added to the Charlatans trademark sound. In this case Simpatico has sought inspiration from reggae, ska and dub. This is truly unlike any album they have made before.

‘NYC (There's no need to stop)' is a catchy, dancy track, sounding to my ears like some of the Stones' late 70s output. The lyrics are quite ridiculous however. But had this track come from the Scissor Sisters (and indeed it sounds like it could have), then no one would bat an eyelid and it would become an international dance/rock crossover hit. ‘For Your Entertainment' sees Tim Burgess deadpan the title as the music feels like the soundtrack to a particularly dark circus based horror film. ‘Muddy Ground' is another dark tale of waiting for love. The song is simple and effective and had it been written by Snow Patrol or Coldplay, it would receive hours of radio-play and big label backing.

The rest of the album is made up of songs which are inspired by ska, reggae and dub. ‘City of the Dead' sounds like the Specials. Tim Burgess' vocals take on a distinctly Rastafarian vibe. This vibe is continued on ‘When the Lights Go Out in London' a song apparently inspired by the bombings of July last year. ‘Road to Paradise' is another belter of a tune, the song has such a dark rocking, funky edge to it. It should translate well live. ‘The Architect' also continues this vibe, albeit at a slower pace and with a more intimate and personal edge.

Overall the Charlatans have delivered another strong album. They have sought to challenge themselves and their fans musically. Once again, mainstream critics have in the large failed to "get" this album and dismissed it out of hand as a bunch of songs written by some has-beens. This is so far from the truth. The Charlatans are continuing to make challenging, interesting, varied and emotional music and unlike many a product of the pre-Britpop era, they are not reflections of their former selves. This is another grower of an album from the Charlatans - how many more before they get the recognition they deserve? Until then, they will continue to be one of music's best-kept secrets.

James Ketchell

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