The Charlatans - Different Days

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The Charlatans draft in Manchester legends for an album that's well worth a listen.

The Charlatans' new album 'Different Days' sees them draft in a plethora of guests such as actress Sharon Horgan and writer Ian Rankin alongside some Manchester musical legends.

The album itself feels like a tale of two halves; the first bathing itself in 90s psychedelic with a Britpop edge the second taking on a more electronic sound becoming vaguely new romantic in places. ‘Solutions’ sees Joy Division/New Order drummer Stephen Morris behind the kit and it’s his work on this track that safely underpins its driving edge – it’s subtle, and it’s good.

Single ‘Plastic Machinery’ has indie banger written all over it with Smiths legend Johnny Marr’s distinctive guitar presiding over the track like a mad priest with the chorus made for bellowing out drunkenly at an indie night. ‘Over Again’ brings the album’s new romantic vibe to the forefront whilst ‘The Same House’ sees Morris back on programming duties whilst fellow New Order member Gillian Gilbert plays the synths on a track with tinges of their side project The Other Two.

Overall, it’s a solid record, while the likes of title track ‘Different Days’ and ‘Not Forgotten’ feel like filler, it’s well worth a listen. Josh Williams