The Charlatans ‘Modern Nature’

Words by Russell Carstens

Are The Charlatans having an identity crisis? With their new album, Modern Nature, the band seems to cram too many different styles inside a collection of drawn out songs.

While most of their good material is spent on choruses, Modern Nature still has some redeeming moments. “Talking In Tones” starts the album on a druggy, mellow Spiritualized vibe with a crescendo of good feelings building via an uplifting chorus. “Good Times” is a jubilant dance song with hints of Primal Scream’s Screamadelica. A beautiful atmosphere of drum machines, synths and acoustic guitars dominates “So Oh,” providing an oceanic sound to get lost in, with old-school 808-sounding claps put to good use. “Keep Enough” is a sneaky and sly improvement, while “Need You To Know” is dramatic hard rock with a muted violin melody keeping the ears interested. A beautiful (but too short) guitar passage lights up the middle of “Emilie,” as well.

The Charlatans are not making rock, indie, electronic or dance music on Modern Nature — they’re just trying to put ten pounds of stuff into a five pound bag.