Originally released through BMG Records on 26th January 2015. After the release of the band’s 11th studio album “Who We Touch” (2010), The bands drummer Jon Brookes was diagnosed with brain cancer, and subsequently died in mid-2013. In early 2014, the band met up at their studio Big Mushroom with Jim Spencer, and began working on a new album in the words of Tim Burgess, “songs that made us happy”. Replacing Brookes on percussion were Pete Salisbury of the Verve, plus New Order’s Stephen Morris and Gabriel Gurnsey of Factory Floor, a duo known more for metronomic precision that smile-inducing numbers. . The sessions lasted seven months, and featured recordings from the drummers of the Verve, New Order, and Factory Floor. Described as a pop album, “Modern Nature” featured contributions from the High Llamas frontman Sean O’Hagan, as well as gospel vocals from Melanie Marshall and Sandra Marvin.
Preceded by the release of the singles “Talking in Tones” and “So Oh” in September and December 2014, respectively, “Modern Nature” was released with varying bonus tracks. The band promoted it with radio appearances, and in-store performances. To coincide with the release of the single “Come Home Baby” in February 2015, the band embarked on a UK headlining tour, their first since 2010.
Opener “Talking in Tones” has a Higher Than the Sun comedown vibe that feels more about the price paid for happiness than hedonism itself, but by the second track, So Oh, they start to come good on their upbeat promise. Backed by a bouncing bassline and Hammond organ, The warmth continues throughout. Rhodes piano tones and more organs accompany “Come Home Baby”, which is followed by “Keep Enough“, a glorious lament for an absent friend. “Let the Good Times Be Never Ending“, perhaps the strongest track, mixes slow-building Doorsian exposition with 5th Dimension-style wig outs and backing vocals. From the saddest of starting points, the Charlatans have made a joyful eulogy – and possibly the best album of their career.
Produced by the Charlatans and Jim Spencer, and mixed by Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Portishead), ‘Modern Nature’ is the band’s 12th studio album.
“Modern Nature” received generally positive reviews from music critics, some of whom commented on the album’s throwback sound.
The Fat Angel Sings 