Tim Burgess said in the run up to ‘Up At The Lake’s release that he wants The Charlatans to see in their 20th anniversary. That really is a crying shame, because as hefty as that number seems, that day is but 4 years away. It does though put into context their achievements which, in spite of everything (from critical lashings, tragedies and just some plain undeserved bad luck), have been numerous. And if this is the sound of them coasting, which arguably it is, it would be a great loss not to have them around any longer.
The metamorphoses we have come to expect from them with each album release, especially from their eponymous ’95 indie masterpiece onwards, fail to materialise as such here. Though that’s not to say they’re entirely absent. There’s no great plan, but they’re still reaching, mixing in new pop colloquialisms whenever they take a shine to something and see fit. Take the title track which mixes up show-tune rhythms and mod edginess to anthemic effect and ‘Feel The Pressure’ with its tribal funk, early-90s house beats and typical Burgess drawl. It doesn’t click immediately, but given a few spins you know you’re in the Charlies’ safe hands.
As the record progresses it leans more and more in the direction that they, and especially Tim with his own solo outing, have become wrapped up in over the past few years. Bob Dylan is clear as day a bright influence on the modern day, mature Charlatans. ‘I’ll Sing You A Hymn (You Came To Me)’ for instance is ‘Lay Lady Lay’ merged with the Cheers theme tune. But this succeeds where Tim’s album was just pretty through the power and depth of the band’s playing. The Charlatans were always about ensemble pieces, this album only underlines that. And ‘Loving You Is Easy’ and ‘Apples and Oranges’ could be two of their most complete songs. Songs that warm you right through. Take the time to raise a glass to them.