Review Summary: Combining the mellow grooves of shoegaze with the brashness and crunch of Definitely Maybe, The Charlatans give an impressive showing as they expand their sound.
The Charlatans first came in as a part of the madchester scene, and were considered second rate in the genre, putting out solid but ultimately unimpressive albums throughout until the scene died. The Charlatans carried on however and truly hit their stride with thier self titled fourth album. It opens with some wierd chant that seems out of place along with some of the funkiest organ playing Ive heard in the largely instrumental opener "Nine Acre Court."
After this questionable start the album picks up a bit with "Feeling Holy" but doesnt kick off untill the incredibly catchy "Just Lookin" which perfectly sums up the bands sound on the album. The album takes the brashness and crunch of Oasis' Definitely Maybe and mixes it in with the shoegaze formula they already had down solid. "Crashin In" is very similar to "Just Lookin" but manages to keep its own identity. "Bullet Comes" adds some piano and gives the album a little lighter sound, as though to let the listener relax for their next song, "Here Comes A Soul Saver" which is a top notch tune which could be The Charlatans attempt at "Live Forever." It falls short of that goal, but is impressive nonetheless.
"Just When Your Thinking Things Over" continues the streak of excellent songs with an upbeat relaxed groove that gracefully carries you through the ride, throwing some great melodies at you along the way. Unfortunately "Tell Everyone" is where the album starts to tail off. Despite a subdued catchy chorus the verses are entirely forgettable, which cuts the albums momentum off. Perhaps if placed in a different spot this song would be a great fit, but it leads into three entirely forgettable mediocre songs.
Fortunately, the instrumental closer "Thank You" brings the band to form with an excellent, very Verve-esque instrumental jam that reminds you a little too much of "Gravity Grave." Despite the similarities the song is saved by the consistently unique organ playing Rob Collins. All in all a solid finish to an excellent album.
