The new CD by The Charlatans is a bit mixed up. They have always been a fun Brit-rock band sounding a bit like U2 or Oasis, but with more sonic tendencies. Here, The Charlatans have expanded their sound, revelaing influences beyond U2 to include Robbie Williams, the Rolling Stones, 80’s synth-rock and even ska. I think they work best when they mimic the bombastic, arena era U2, with tunes like Blackend Blue Eyes and Muddy Ground. While I appreciate a fairly eclectic album from a genre (Brit Pop/Rock) that does not generally allow for a lot of creativity, I would like them to stick closer to what they do best, which is buzzy guitar driven rock with soaring harmonies and hooky lyrics. Simpatico is an album that strives to be a great eclectic rock album, but unfortunately ends up quite mediocre.
1.90 out of 4.00 on the Vin Swanson Scale
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