The Charlatans - The Garage, London - October 20 2014 (Live Review)
Tuesday, 21 October 2014
Written by Graeme Marsh
Just over a year ago, indie stalwarts the Charlatans led an emotional tribute gig at the Royal Albert Hall for their late drummer, Jon Brookes.
Last night saw them return to London with a complete contrast in location, as Islington’s tiny Garage venue played host to their latest comeback. This show arrived along with news of the band’s 12th studio album, ‘Modern Nature’, which is set for release early next year.
After a brief cameo for a single song with support act Grumbling Fur, Tim Burgess walked out to rapturous applause from members of their diehard following lucky enough to nab a ticket.
The crowd didn’t have long to wait to hear the classics, either, with opener Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over, taken from their self-titled fourth album, swiftly followed by North Country Boy and Oh! Vanity.
After the ‘electric shock’ riff-wielding Weirdo, Burgess led the band into some new material, including the recently-released Talking In Tones and, later in the set, new single So Oh.
A lengthy trip back in time then followed, with highlights including Can’t Get Out Of Bed, Blackened Blue Eyes and a surprise inclusion in Then, the second single from the band’s 1990 debut ‘Some Friendly’.
A rousing rendition of One To Another sent the pit wild before the band disappeared for a quick breather before a three song encore. Burgess introduced Autograph, from ‘Up To Our Hips’, as “a song from I don’t know when...the ‘90s”. It’s safe to say that parts of that decade remain a blur.
How High then paved the way for the longest intro in history and standard gig-closer Sproston Green, which remains a live pinnacle. The Charlatans are considerably longer in the tooth than the first time around, but they’re still able to deliver a thrilling performance. They are, without doubt, a national institution.
The Charlatans Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue March 03 2015 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Thu March 05 2015 - MANCHESTER Albert Hall Manchester
Sat March 07 2015 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
Mon March 09 2015 - HULL University
Tue March 10 2015 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Fri March 13 2015 - WOLVERHAMPTON Civic Hall
Sat March 14 2015 - LEICESTER O2 Academy Leicester
Mon March 16 2015 - LONDON Roundhouse
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