6/10

After returning back in 2015 with their twelfth studio album 'Modern Nature', their first since the death of drummer and founding member Jon Brookes, Britpop mainstays The Charlatans are back once again with their latest full-length effort 'Different Days'. Yet much like their previous record, this new material sees the band move further away from their formative sound and begin to embark on another journey of uplifting soundscapes.

While frontman Tim Burgees has always looked to broaden his musical horizons with numerous collaborations over the years, it is clear that he is now looking to bring that same level of diversity to his work with The Charlatans. While the record's lead single 'Plastic Machinery' came across as a very traditional Charlatans track, much of this album sees them explore a whole of host of different identities, making for an interesting listen.

Yet despite their good intentions, there isn't much to get really excited about on here. It has its moments throughout, but much of 'Different Days' seems to sit on the fence, giving no real emotion either side. Enjoyable but largely forgettable.