The Charlatans UK - Simpatico

I’ll be honest; it was with incredible trepidation that I began listening to Simpatico, the latest release from The Charlatans UK (I never say UK, but that’s what’s on the promo, so there). The reason for my trepidation is that I adore them. They have been in my life over the last 17 years. This being said, I also did not care much for their last two releases, Wonderland, which had a scant few songs that I really enjoy, and Up At the Lake, which admittedly I didn’t hear much of due to the fact that it hasn’t had a US release date yet. Then there’s Tim’s solo album, which had good songs on it, but still left me feeling sort of wanting. The explanation behind this wanting is that on all three of these releases, lead singer Tim Burgess abandoned the one thing that kept the band cohesive and consistently gave them their ‘Charlatansness,’ his fabulous voice. Instead, he explored the use of a falsetto, and I would say that 8 out of 10 Charlatans fans agree that this was not really our cup of tea. But hey, he’s an artist, so fine. Do what you need to do. Ok, so now you know why I was a little afraid. I wanted to love the album, but I didn’t know if I would. Well, I am ecstatic to report that The Charlatans have put out a very fine piece of work here in Simpatico. It is an excellent example of band growth and rebirth, and I am proud to stand behind it. Now if you’re looking for a rehashing of Some Friendly or even Us and Us Only, you might be disappointed. Only the first single, “Blackened Blue Eyes,” follows the path of what the Madchester beat stands for, and it does it well. But that one song does not represent what is the meat of the album. Club-inspired “NYC (No Need To Stop)” feels so completely modern and retro dance club at the same time. This song in particular reminds you that Tim has been doing a lot of djing for the love of music in the past few years. It’s clearly rubbed off on his sensibilities. It’s a good-time cruising song even if you can’t get to a dance floor. “For Your Entertainment,” “The Architect” and “City of the Dead” are undeniably homages to Ska, The Specials “Ghost Town” in particular. “Dead Man’s Eyes” is almost a rocker, and “When the Lights Go Out In London” is just a perfect, harmonica-and-beat-infused nod to one of the greatest cities in the world – it’s laid back, a little raw, but moving at an energized pace. And as in all Charlatans records, there is that one track that I just can’t quite wrap my heart around. In this case, it’s “Glory Glory,” a rhythmically loping tune in which Tim’s rich voice becomes almost strained in a way that I just don’t enjoy. It’s not a falsetto per say, but it’s stretched enough to make it unpleasant. I’d like to say it will grow on me, but like I said, there’s always one. On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, however, there is “Muddy Ground,” a song that sent goosebumps down me the first time I heard it. And it’s this song, and the countless others like it on every single release from this veteran band that make me love them. They always find a way to make music that puts that lump in my chest, that makes my eyes water at the sheer emotion and power of their art. The Charlatans touch something in me and in their millions of fans that cannot be denied. They are the consummate band, giving, taking and working through traumatic events and life changes that would have left other bands in ruins. And they turn all of that growth and observation into music that soars with you and wraps around you when you are at your depths. Simpatico is simply another example of why they are still around, still making music and are still so relevant. They have grown, and their fans have grown with them. And they offer enough on this record to not only go on but to also add to their base of devotees. If you don’t know them, pick this album up, you won’t be disappointed. If you do know them, open your arms once again to your old friends and rejoice in their continuing triumph. [www.thecharlatans.net]