From Madchester opportunists to middling Britpop act, the Charlatans have never quite escaped their status as the nearly men of indie rock. Modern Nature, the band’s first album since the death of drummer Jon Brookes 18 months ago, marks a new phase in their career. It’s a drifting, contemplative set infused with the spirit of Curtis Mayfield and chill-out rooms in 1990s clubs in the early hours. The first half, particularly, is very good indeed, the best tracks (Talking in Tones, Come Home Baby) both wistful and gloriously alive.
