Who We Touch
The Charlatans UK have unassumingly assembled a great catalog of solid rock ‘n’ roll in an age that hasn’t often been kind to rock ‘n’ roll bands. They’ve done so mixing classic rock touches with exaggerated beats, supersonic keyboards, touches of shoegaze, R&B, psychedelia and anything else they can sneak into a tune. 2010’s *Who We Touch* is another solid outing for the band. “Love Is Ending” has a giant swoosh of keyboards riding its enthusiasm. “Smash the System” takes a potentially robotic dance beat and warms it up. “Your Pure Soul” resembles a pop song from the ‘80s with its lush keyboards, generous reverb and accented beats. “Sincerity” cranks up the tempo enough to ride the monorail into the arena where football cheers await them. “When I Wonder” is a terrific straight-forward number. “Oh!” takes its cue from the early ‘70s when everyone had an introspective ballad lurking. The bonus edition of the album includes an early version of “Love Is Ending” that shows the song already had its legs under it. “These Things” is a pleasant outtake with a ‘60s pop vibe.
Who suspected the Charlatans would be the one "Madchester" band that would last for 20 years? Their resilience has gained them no small amount of respect...