Come and Explore
For those of us of a certain age, the idea of not having a new Charlatans record every couple of years would seem very strange. One of alternative music's long running loyal servants is back for more with yet another album to add to their impressive back catalogue.
I've never been able to work out why, in more recent years at least, a new Charlatans release isn't met with more anticipation than it is. It seems as if the wider world is happy to let them get on with making music, and if what they produce becomes hugely popular then that's a bonus. OK so they were at their best in the earlier part of their career, but none of their albums have been a stinker, and their last, 2004's 'Up At The Lake' was definitely a strong collection of songs.
'Simpatico' opens with the first single 'Black and Blue Eyes', a song which sounds exactly how you'd expect a Charlatans hit to sound, just as catchy as they've always been and with their distinctive keyboards hooks, it really couldn't be anybody else.
There are more classic Charlatans sounding tracks to follow in the shape of 'NYC (There's No Need To Stop)' and 'Dead Man's Eye'. The former has a rock energy you might associate with Kasabian and the latter opens with some interesting tribal drumming, but the really fascinating thing about this record is how the band explore sounds and influences which we haven't really heard from them before, as if they'd been through their old record collection and stumbled across some undiscovered or forgotten gems.
'City Of The Dead', 'The Architect' and 'Sunset & Vine' are all essentially alternative rock tracks but with a reggae beat, such as the Specials, Clash or Police might have created twenty-five years ago. 'Sunset and Vine' is the most striking of the three, as it is a mellow, chilled, instrumental piece of music, something that might be more at home on a Massive Attack album, but which closes this one perfectly.
There is a chilled feel to a lot of this album, tracks such as 'For Your Entertainment', 'When The Lights Go Out In London' and 'Glory Glory' are the stand-out more relaxed moments, as well as the already highlighted 'Sunset and Vine'.
'Simpatico' is a grower and it may take a few listens to fully get your head round it, but ultimately it should reward your efforts as this is one of the most interesting albums the Charlatans have released for many years.