The Charlatans tread the boards once more in Manchester, with a heavy of dose of love and joy on offer.

THE CHARLATANS EFFECT

It barely feels like five minutes since we were in the company of Burgess and Co. in the summer. On that occasion, we were treated to a couple of tasters from their (then) forthcoming album. Now, they’re fully into the touring cycle for We Are Love.

The Charlatans are national treasures; they’ve been up, down, beat up and battered in their storied career…but they’re still sounding as incredible as ever. The enthusiasm and energy the band offer is addictive, and a sold out Manchester Academy on a Thursday night can attest to that.

WE ARE LOVE

As is expected, there is a large chunk of the new album on show over two sets this evening. It’s a sign of the bands’ stellar discography that they’re playing for the majority of the evening with no support. It is in this timeframe that they manage to strike the perfect balance of old and new in the setlist. On top of that, there are plenty of tracks that aren’t always wheeled out. It’s a setlist that would satisfy both the casual and hardcore fan of the indie heroes.

A shimmering organ eases in the start to Kingdom Of Ours. The reception is rapturous. Following up with Weirdo feels like throwing a match in the tinderbox. It’s a staple of indie dance floors and one that is a part of the fabric of British indie music. It’s placed perfectly in-between the opener and For The Girls; another newbie; which sees Burgess don an electric guitar…”the guitar they’re all talkin’ about,” according the charismatic singer.

Appetite, Deeper & Deeper, the psychedelic Now Everything and the stunning title track all wow. The latter is a sure fire set staple for years to. “This is the place, these are the days, we are love!” goes the chorus. It’s the kind of blissed out mantra that Manchester goes wild for. These same slogans adorn the screens at the back of the stage in-between sets and the Smiths sounding single is irresistible.

DEEPER STILL…

In addition to plenty of new material, there are choices that maybe one does not expect as much. A nod to the mid-noughties is given with a brilliant Oh Vanity and a barnstorming version of Blackened Blue Eyes. It is a long time since The Charlatans released a brand new record; 2017 was their last studio album. Prior to that was 2015’s Modern Nature.

It is from that record that one of the highlights of the night presents itself. Let The Good Times Be Never Ending is a beautiful bop with a fine disco groove. Burgess, as ever, dances like no one is watching, flailing around goofily, lost in the moment. Every person in the crowd seemingly feels the same way as the song reverberates around the room.

Another surprise, at least to this writer, is the inclusion of Tremelo Song from Between 10th & 11th. It’s always good to hear songs you’d forgotten about. Get On It from Tellin’ Stories is also another that I wouldn’t have had on my bingo card. The beauty of having two sets and plenty of time to play with is that you can dig in.

BONAFIDE HITS

To have such amazing hits in your locker however, is always going to please the masses. North Country Boy is delivered early doors. Naturally, it raises the roof and alongside Weirdo, lays down a marker.

The second half of the set opens up with a thunderous Forever, dedicated to the recently departed Mani, of who Burgess was good friends with. Forever just bristles throughout it’s lengthy duration. The rising organ intro, the chunky bass that rolls around underpinning the song, and Burgess singing his heart out; it is glorious.

A mid second set trio from the bands self titled ’95 effort is the real show stealer though. Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over is triumphant, and Toothache is razor sharp with it’s guitar riff. Then, another class cut in Here Comes A Soul Saver; you could be forgiven for thinking The Charlatans had peaked already. Just before reaching that peak, One To Another obliterates the PA and The Only One I Know follows with the same vigour and swagger.

Sproston Green has been The Charlatans calling card forever and a day. The iconic bass lick that opens the song signifies the end is nigh but not before the crowd are whipped up into another frenzy of joy. The tension in the song as it builds and builds is one of life’s great live music experiences.

The Charlatans are genuinely legends. They have such faith in their new material that it sits perfectly next to the tried and tested classics and deeper cuts. They are a band that give so much positivity and light in a world of negativity and darkness. Long live The Charlatans.

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