The Charlatans - Different Days review: ‘Burgess is back in business’

Having seen two members pass away over their years at the indie-rock coalface, The Charlatans looked like a shrinking band but not any more.

On their 13th album, it’s all hands on deck. Notable friends dropping into the studio include Paul Weller (piano and backing vocals on the soulful closer, Spinning Out), Johnny Marr (guitar on three songs, including the steady groove Not Forgotten) and half of New Order (on the sole irritating one, the repetitive The Same House).

Even Catastrophe actress Sharon Horgan and novelist Ian Rankin pop up, on sung and spoken vocals respectively.

But singer Tim Burgess’s sweet tones still dominate and there’s nothing here to make the band unrecognisable to faithful fans.

They’re looking outwards and sounding great.

(BMG)