When a band's sound defines a decade, hell, an entire era of British music, seeing them in a modern context can often be an underwhelming experience, something mystifying that just doesn't sit right and can ultimately feel contrived. Contrary to that though, it can be invigorating when a group do 'comebacks' right and assimilate themselves with the ever-changing musical landscape without tarnishing their legacy.
The Charlatans' performance at The Garage in North London last night wasn't a comeback, there was no sense of artificiality, instead it was a celebration of their impact that equally proved why they will continue to change the indie spectrum, 25 years after their breakthrough.
The last year has no doubt been immensely difficult for the group after the tragic death of drummer Jon Brookes, but instead of wanting the rare, intimate gig to be a mournful affair, it was apparent from the offset that this performance was about memorialisation through optimism, the sound of a band simply enjoying every second of the legacy they have crafted.
Opening with 'Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over' set the precedent early, the typically huge piano hook engrossing the room and gauging a huge reaction from a responsive crowd. What followed was a wealth of hits from across their illustrious discography, the likes of 'North Country Boy' and 'Weirdo' resonating with visceral intensity, Tim Burgess the ever-confident frontman embracing the intimacy of the venue and beaming into the crowd.
In the wake of the announcement of their twelfth album earlier in the day, new material also came in spades, with modern developments to their sound in the likes of 'Talking In Tones' sitting comfortably alongside familiar hits. As is to be expected from a band that have spent over two decades honing their craft, the 70 minute set maintained momentum throughout, the constant change up between old and new material giving the night a delightfully unpredictable edge whilst keeping the energetic crowd euphorically caught up in nostalgic charm.
Closing with a Tellin' Stories' 'How High' and a soaring rendition of Some Friendly's 'Sproston Green', The Charlatans effortlessly proved they can command intimate venues just as easily as London's biggest rooms, due in no small part to their time-crafted sound and remarkable onstage chemistry (there's probably some secrets in Tim Burgess' hair as well).
