The Charlatans are that band. The one that just never seems to know when to stay down.
They take knocks. They hit peaks. Troughs. Sh*t happens. More sh*t happens. And yet, at every stage, they never cease or desist.
But it’s never been output for output’s sake. For The Charlatans, each album is a statement of intent. It defines them, at that point. So, is Different Days another? Or is it finally output for output’s sake?
Well, hmmm. Let’s see. First thing, Different Days is both nothing like and more like a Charlatans record than they’ve recorded in a while. At points they seem to be playing with the many ages of their own legacy. Dabbling in the elements of the dance and electronic-era rock that once defined them, or the soulful organ based folk rock, and so much more.
Not many bands have been so naturally versatile over so many years. And it shows. It keeps the album interesting throughout, never relying on any single trope or gimmick, and instead, it follows the music wherever it leads. So where does it lead?
Tracks like Solutions are mature and uplifting rendering of songs on Us And Us Only like The Blonde Waltz or Senses, while the title-track offers a passionate lament of changing time and lives – which is powerful and poignant considering the band’s history.
Other highlights include Plastic Machinery, which is reminiscent of their glory days. Although the organ and brooding scope are gone, they’ve been replaced with searing and soaring. It’s an interesting trade-off. Not Forgotten is much more akin to The Charlatans you know and love. It’s got all the dynamics you could desire and delivers in spades. There’s not an album since (including Tellin Stories) that it wouldn’t have fitted on.
There’s the unexpected turns like There Will Be Chances, which almost feels like Primal Scream at peak Screamadelica cast off. Over Again has something of the Happy Mondays to it. But neither of these are missteps; it’s an era and sound that’s as much in their blood as either of these bands. These are tracks that feel natural and unforced, if anything the only problem is that they didn’t push themselves further down this road.
And the album finishes with its standout moment, Spinning Out. It’s a wonderfully melancholic come down. Powerful and emotional. It’s been a while since they’ve sounded this raw. It’s a brilliant end to a fascinating album.
Overall, it’s a wonderfully upbeat album, with some powerfully reflective moments. Gone is the brooding intent of their earlier work. Welcome to a band reborn. Yet finding your happy place isn’t always a great creative move; just look at Coldplay.
However, the truth is The Charlatans aren’t happy, they’re honest. Different Days is open and thought provoking, the band middle-aged and aware. And more frankly, they really don’t give a flying fox hole what anyone thinks.
Instead, they use a life of true industry, drama, music and brilliance to make a statement, a bold, soaring statement that what they have to say still matters.
