Modern Nature

Following the release of the Charlatans' 11th studio album Who We Touch (2010), drummer Jon Brookes was diagnosed with brain cancer while on tour in the United States; he was temporarily replaced by the Verve member Pete Salisbury, at the recommendation. Brookes later re-joined the band towards the end of the year. In February 2011, the band held a discussion for their next album, which they were aiming to release at some point in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2011/02/16/interview-the-charlatans/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703174009/https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2011/02/16/interview-the-charlatans/|title=Interview: The Charlatans|work=God Is in the TV|author=Murphy, Emma|date=16 February 2011|archivedate=3 July 2022|access-date=12 September 2022}} Later in 2011, vocalist Tim Burgess started his own record label O Genesis; him and guitarist Mark Collins went on an acoustic tour; and Burgess worked on a solo album.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-charlatans-mn0000068283/biography|title=The Charlatans {{!}} Biography & History|publisher=AllMusic|author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021190855/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-charlatans-mn0000068283/biography|url-status=live}} In mid-2012, the celebrated the 15th anniversary of their fifth studio album Tellin' Stories (1997) with two full-album performances, and a live album from one of the shows. Brookes suffered from a relapse in September that same year.

The band attempted to make an album, at the insistence of Brookes, however the effort was fruitless.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/04/tim-burgess-charlatans-twitter-new-album|title=The Charlatans: revitalised by Twitter, Transcendental Meditation and coffee {{!}} Music|work=The Guardian|author=Pertridis, Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|date=4 December 2014|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022075852/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/04/tim-burgess-charlatans-twitter-new-album|url-status=live}} In July 2013, keyboardist Tony Rogers said the band were anticipating going into the studio to work on new songs.{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/videos/83205/|title=The Charlatans: 'We've lasted longer than marriages'|work=Gigwise|date=28 July 2013|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021190856/https://www.gigwise.com/videos/83205/|url-status=live}} In spite of Brookes receiving surgery that same month, Burgess announced Brookes' death in August.{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/83519/|title=Tim Burgess, The 1975, Lauren Laverne pay tribute to Jon Brookes|work=Gigwise|author=Trendell, Andrew|date=13 August 2013|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021190856/https://www.gigwise.com/news/83519/|url-status=live}} A benefit show was held for him two months later. Burgess and guitarist Mark Collins held a writing session Hastings, which resulted in several songs.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271915993351303168|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110211804/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271915993351303168|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'Although we all agreed to start a fresh after Jon Died...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} The band congregated at a beach house in Rye where the recorded ideas using a portable studio and drums courtesy of a mobile app.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/markcharlatan/status/1271915605927608324|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110211225/https://twitter.com/markcharlatan/status/1271915605927608324|title=Mark Collins on Twitter: 'Went to a house by the beach at Rye on the south coast...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Collins, Mark|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/markcharlatan/status/1271915633656180744|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110211259/https://twitter.com/markcharlatan/status/1271915633656180744|title=Mark Collins on Twitter: 'This Parisian, upbeat, summery tune was one...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Collins, Mark|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}}

The band reconvened in early 2014 at their own studio Big Mushroom, and spurred on by the memories of Brookes, the band began recording in January that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.bmg.com/de/artist/the-charlatans|title=The Charlatans|date=30 October 2015|publisher=BMG|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020091942/https://www.bmg.com/de/artist/the-charlatans|url-status=live}} The members intentionally wanted to make an uplifting record; some songs were worked on between Burgess and Collins, bassist Mark Blunt and Rogers, or the whole band.{{cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/features/the-charlatans-tim-burgess-brynn-davies/tWKmqairqq0/11-02-16/|title=Finding A Cathartic Release And Looking to the Future|work=The Music|author=Davies, Brynn|date=11 February 2016|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021023800/https://themusic.com.au/features/the-charlatans-tim-burgess-brynn-davies/tWKmqairqq0/11-02-16/|url-status=live}} Jim Spencer, who worked with them previously on their 2001–2008 albums, co-produced the proceedings. Drummers from different bands participated in the recording sessions: Salisbury, New Order member Stephen Morris, and Factory Floor member Gabriel Gurnsey. Morris and Gurnsey went into the studio to see how the band was progressing, only then to be asked to play on the recordings. Burgess expected the sessions to last three months, when in reality, they lasted seven.

Musically, the sound of Modern Nature has been described as pop,{{cite web|url=https://louderthanwar.com/the-charlatans-modern-nature-album-review/|title=The Charlatans: Modern Nature – album review|work=Louder Than War|author=Lay, Sarah|date=24 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=14 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514003939/http://louderthanwar.com/the-charlatans-modern-nature-album-review/|url-status=live}} with elements of disco, funk, and soul.{{cite web|url=http://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2015/02/02/the-charlatans-modern-nature-bmg-rights/|title=The Charlatans – 'Modern Nature' (BMG Rights)|work=God Is in the TV|author=Pucci, Matt|date=2 February 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=3 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403105706/http://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2015/02/02/the-charlatans-modern-nature-bmg-rights/|url-status=live}} Discussing the title, Burgess said he was visiting the band Grumbling Fur as they were recording song. They were in the middle of song when a book fell of a shelf and hit Burgess on the head. The book turned out to be Derek Jarman's diaries, entitled Modern Nature. Up to this point, they had already planned on calling it Nature as they had several songs with that as the working title.{{cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/tim-burgess-on-the-return-of-the-charlatans|title=Tim Burgess on the return of the Charlatans: 'We threw the kitchen sink in on this one'|work=The Line of Best Fit|author=Day, Laurence|date=19 January 2015|access-date=18 May 2022|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106201212/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/tim-burgess-on-the-return-of-the-charlatans|url-status=live}} Some of the upbeat songs, such as "So Oh" and "Let the Good Times Be Never Ending", were reminiscent of the pop nature of the band's seventh studio album Wonderland (2001).{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-the-charlatans-15903-319313|title=The Charlatans – 'Modern Nature'|work=NME|author=Beaumont, Mark|date=28 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021190900/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-the-charlatans-15903-319313|url-status=live}} Similarly, "So Oh" and "Come Home Baby" channel the band's early Madchester sound. The High Llamas frontman Sean O'Hagan contributed orchestration throughout the album, alongside gospel vocal harmonies from Melanie Marshall and Sandra Marvin. O'Hagan previously worked with Burgess for his solo album; Burgess made a mental note that if the Charlatans required strings, to ask O'Hagan.

The opening track "Talking in Tones" initially begins as a soundscape of glitch and electronica percussion loops, before shifting into 1960s beat music, with its chorus section being reminiscent of I'm a Man" (1967) by the Spencer Davis Group. It was the result of a jam session between Collins, who was playing drums, and Burgess, who was playing guitar. Burgess came up with the title while walking from Barclays bank on Upper Street, Islington to Flashback Records on Old Street. The track discusses telepathic communication, and reminded Burgess of the Tellin' Stories opening song "With No Shoes". Collins said "So Oh" was influenced by a Barry White song, while its bassline recalled the band's stand-alone single "The Only One I Know" (1990).{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271911403490852867|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110204843/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271911403490852867|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'So Oh. I always think of this song as Mark's song...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} Burgess wrote the song's lyrics about being in a location, figuring out how you get there, and included a reference to David Bowie.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271911403490852867|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110204844/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271911560483688449|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'The lyrics were about a flight. Being in a place and wondering how you got there...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271911896476778496|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20201110205805/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271911896476778496|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'Our agent was also David Bowie's agent – I included...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}}

"Come Home Baby" utilizes a gospel choir.{{cite web|url=http://state.ie/album-reviews/the-charlatans-modern-nature|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206065825/http://state.ie/album-reviews/the-charlatans-modern-nature|title=The Charlatans – Modern Nature|work=State|author=Gylnn, James|date=27 January 2015|archivedate=6 February 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020}} Rogers had the verse music for it for sometime, until Burgess had a melody part for it, which he dubbed "Baby Huey" after the person of the same name.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271912507813302273|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110210530/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271912507813302273|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'Come Home Baby I think Tony had the chords to the verse...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} The soul track "Keep Enough" talks about mourning for an absent friend. It was the first song the band wrote after becoming a four-piece. "In the Tall Grass", alongside "Let the Good Times Be Never Ending", saw the band move into disco territory. The keyboard parts in the former were compared to those played by the Doors member Ray Manzarek. The song's overall sparse arrangement channelled the sound of the band's sixth studio album Us and Us Only (1999).{{cite web|url=https://www.londoninstereo.com/the-charlatans-modern-nature-album-review/|title=The Charlatans – Modern Nature {{!}} Album Review|work=London in Stereo|author=Mee, Nick|date=12 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=12 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912082102/http://www.londoninstereo.com/the-charlatans-modern-nature-album-review/|url-status=live}} Rogers wrote the music for the song while he was in Ireland.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271914615962812417|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110210852/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271914615962812417|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'In the Tall Grass Tony Came up with the music for this...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} The vocals and plucked guitar parts in "Emilie" was compared to In Rainbows (2007)-era Radiohead.

"Let the Good Times Be Never Ending" is a cross between the music of the Doors and the 5th Dimension, with brass parts from Dexys Midnight Runners member Jim Paterson. The song was influenced by Little Anthony and the Imperials, and was initially scrapped on three occasions.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271916587927457792|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110212008/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271916587927457792|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'Let The Good Times Be Never Ending It all started with a northern soul...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/markcharlatan/status/1271916764482469891|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110212039/https://twitter.com/markcharlatan/status/1271916764482469891|title=Mark Collins on Twitter: 'Epic. Got scrapped about 3 times before...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Collins, Mark|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} The first idea for the song was a six-minute-long bass part that Rogers turned into two iterations, one with a Rhodes piano, and the second with a Hammond organ. Burgess, Collins and Blunt liked both versions that Rogers made. The final version was made after six months' worth of attempts, with a variety of additional instrumentation, such as drum machines and Chic-esque guitar playing.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271917183594106880|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110212338/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271917183594106880|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'It took us the whole six months to get it right we tried drum machines...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} "I Need You to Know", alongside "Lean In", use an organ sound in the style of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. "Lean In" features jangly guitarwork backing vocal harmonies recalled those hard in "Strawberry Wine" (1987) by My Bloody Valentine. It was the last song written for the album, with Burgess, Collins and Blunt working on the guitar parts of it until the early hours of the morning.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/markcharlatan/status/1271919969601826816|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613214515/https://twitter.com/markcharlatan/status/1271919969601826816|title=Mark Collins on Twitter: 'Last tune written for the LP. Old school writing session...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Collins, Mark|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=13 June 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}}

The piano-driven baggy song "Trouble Understanding" features several different dynamics and mood changes throughout it. Halfway through the song, a guitar line is heard, which builds towards a choral section.{{cite web|url=https://www.thefourohfive.com/review/article/the-charlatans-modern-nature-142|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124043711/https://www.thefourohfive.com/review/article/the-charlatans-modern-nature-142|title=The Charlatans – Modern Nature|work=The 405|author=Yu, Ho Jun|date=21 January 2015|archivedate=24 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020}} It was initially titled "Nature #1", and was written by Burgess with Lou Reed in mind.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271920184677277697|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613214130/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271920184677277697|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'Trouble Understanding – Originally called 'Nature #1' – Absolutely amazing...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=13 June 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} The closing track "Lot to Say" also evoked their Madchester sound, while incorporating elements of Motown. Burgess purposely wanted to end the album with a quiet track; he wrote it after moving to Norfolk when his son was born.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271921381706543104|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110215443/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271921381706543104|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'Lot To Say – Wanted to end the album with quite low key...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} "Walk with Me" was written by Brookes while laying in a hospital bed; it incorporates a back choir, which consisted of children from that that Brookes used to teach at.{{cite web|url=http://spillmagazine.com/album-review-the-charlatans-uk-modern-nature/|title=Spill Album Review: The Charalatans UK – Modern Nature|work=The Spill Magazine|author=Melanson, Trish|date=21 April 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421195901/http://spillmagazine.com/album-review-the-charlatans-uk-modern-nature/|url-status=live}} Brookes had dictated the song's lyrics three weeks prior to his death. "Honesty" is an acoustic instrumental rendition of "Emilie", with a string section, while "Marauder" is a drum and keyboard-based instrumental.

The Charlatans' manager sent some songs out, which received attention from several labels. One of the labels, BMG, was interested in the band. Their staff member Thomas was ecstatic about the four tracks he had been shown and asked for more.{{cite web|url=https://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4148415-dis-meets-tim-burgess-of-the-charlatans--its-easy-to-blame-someone-else|title=DiS meets Tim Burgess of The Charlatans: "It's easy to blame someone else... " / In Depth|work=Drowned in Sound|author=Gourlay, Dom|date=10 November 2014|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026235258/https://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4148415-dis-meets-tim-burgess-of-the-charlatans--its-easy-to-blame-someone-else|url-status=live}} The music video for "Talking in Tones" was released on 23 September 2014, directed by Nik Colk Void.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLnpdCMb7VA|title=The Charlatans – Talking in Tones (Official Video)|via=YouTube|author=The Charlatans|date=23 September 2014|accessdate=20 October 2020}} The track was released as a single six days later; the 7" vinyl version included a remix of the same song.{{cite web|url=http://thecharlatans.net/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919212729/https://thecharlatans.net/|title=Modern Nature|publisher=The Charlatans|archivedate=19 September 2020|accessdate=20 October 2020|url-status=dead}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Talking in Tones"|others=The Charlatans|year=2014|type=sleeve|publisher=

The Quietus Phonographic Corporation|id=GID004V}} On 20 October, Modern Nature was scheduled for release later in December that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/95333/|title=The Charlatans announce new album + 2015 UK tour – tickets|work=Gigwise|author=Kandunias, Peter|date=20 October 2014|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021190857/https://www.gigwise.com/news/95333/|url-status=live}} The music video for "So Oh" was released on 10 November, and was filmed in Santa Marinella, Italy.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLEGsayAXKw|title=The Charlatans – So Oh|via=YouTube|author=The Charlatans|date=10 November 2014|accessdate=20 October 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271911986188685312|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110205749/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1271911986188685312|title=Tim Burgess on Twitter: 'the video for this song and the cover shot by...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Burgess, Tim|date=13 June 2020|archivedate=10 November 2020|accessdate=10 November 2020|url-status=live}} The track was released a single on 1 December; the 7" vinyl version included a Brian Jonestown Massacre remix of the same song as the B-side.{{cite AV media notes|title="So Oh"|others=The Charlatans|year=2014|type=sleeve|publisher=BMG|id=PROMOBMG1082}}{{cite AV media notes|title="So Oh"|others=The Charlatans|year=2014|type=sleeve|publisher=BMG|id=538014271}} The music video for "Come Home Baby" was released on 15 January 2015.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EQJH7uX_LQ|title=The Charlatans – Come Home Baby|via=YouTube|author=The Charlatans|date=15 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020}}

Modern Nature was made available through The Guardian{{'s}} website on 21 January 2015, and eventually released through BMG five days later.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/21/the-charlatans-modern-nature-exclusive-album-stream|title=The Charlatans – Modern Nature: Exclusive album stream {{!}} Music|work=The Guardian|date=21 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022081209/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/21/the-charlatans-modern-nature-exclusive-album-stream|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/modern-nature-mr0004639303|title=Modern Nature – The Charlatans {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021190857/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/modern-nature-mr0004639303|url-status=live}} The physical deluxe edition included a bonus disc which contained "We Sleep on Borrowed Time", "Walk with Me", "As Long as You Stick by Me", and the demo "I Will Never Leave You".{{cite AV media notes|title=Modern Nature|others=The Charlatans|year=2015|type=sleeve|publisher=BMG|id=538014152}} The digital deluxe edition featured "We Sleep on Borrowed Time", "Walk with Me", alongside "Honesty" and "Marauder" as bonus tracks.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/modern-nature-deluxe-version/968829842|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20201020085836/https://music.apple.com/us/album/modern-nature-deluxe-version/968829842|title=Modern Nature (Deluxe Version) by The Charlatans|date=21 April 2015|publisher=Apple Music|archivedate=20 October 2020|accessdate=20 October 2020}} The Japanese edition included all of the bonus track from the physical and digital deluxe editions, alongside remixes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Modern Nature|others=The Charlatans|year=2015|type=sleeve|publisher=BMG/Octave|id=OTCD-4360}} Some vinyl versions featured the physical deluxe edition bonus tracks, while other versions featured remixes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Modern Nature|others=The Charlatans|year=2015|type=sleeve|publisher=BMG|id=538014171}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Modern Nature|others=The Charlatans|year=2015|type=sleeve|publisher=BMG|id=538175270}} The artwork sees the band on a beach with the sun in the background.

The album was promoted with appearances on various radio stations, and performances at record stores. "Come Home Baby" was released as a single on 2 February 2015, and featured a Simon Fisher Turner remix of the same song.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/come-home-baby-mr0004362270|title=Come Home Baby – The Charlatans {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021190940/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/come-home-baby-mr0004362270|url-status=live}} Later that month, the band played a show at the Brooklyn Bowl to coincide with the 2015 Brit Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/97584/the-charlatans-to-play-brooklyn-bowl-show-for-brits-week|title=The Charlatans to play Brooklyn Bowl show for BRITs Week|work=Gigwise|author=Pollard, Alexandra|date=26 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528054630/http://www.gigwise.com/news/97584/the-charlatans-to-play-brooklyn-bowl-show-for-brits-week|url-status=live}} The following month, the band embarked on a UK tour with Salisbury acting as their drummer. The stint marked the band's first full tour of the UK since 2010. Later in the month, Modern Nature was released in the US on 24 March.{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/190597-the-charlatans-modern-nature-2495560737.html|title=The Charlatans: Modern Nature|work=PopMatters|author=Folland, Richard|date=22 April 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524015827/https://www.popmatters.com/190597-the-charlatans-modern-nature-2495560737.html|url-status=live}}

In April 2015, they toured across Japan; footage from the trek was later compiled into the music video for "Let the Good Times Be Never Ending", directed by Libby Burke Wilde.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI3yayV6vhE|title=The Charlatans – Let The Good Times Be Never Ending (Official Video)|via=YouTube|author=The Charlatans|date=22 April 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020}} On 28 April, the band performed "Let the Good Times Be Never Ending" on Later... with Jools Holland.{{cite web|url=http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/watch_the_charlatans_-_let_the_good_times_be_never_ending_video/|title=Watch: The Charlatans – "Let The Good Times Be Never Ending" Video|work=Under the Radar|author=LaBranche, Katie|date=27 April 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022120905/http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/watch_the_charlatans_-_let_the_good_times_be_never_ending_video/|url-status=live}} In June and July, the band performed at the Latitude, Isle of Wight, Truck and Glastonbury Festivals, and played at Castlefield Bowl.June and July 2015 performances:

• Latitude, Castlefield: {{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/features/103635/the-charlatans-tim-burgess-interview-on-new-album-modern-nature|title=Tim Burgess: 'It's a tragedy that London is being homogenised'|work=Gigwise|author=Trefor, Cal|date=5 November 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021124959/https://www.gigwise.com/features/103635/the-charlatans-tim-burgess-interview-on-new-album-modern-nature|url-status=live}}
• Isle of Wight: {{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/98973/the-charlatans-and-more-added-to-isle-of-wight-line-up|title=The Charlatans and more added to Isle of Wight line-up|work=Gigwise|author=Pollard, Alexandra|date=17 March 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=26 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726214959/http://www.gigwise.com/news/98973/the-charlatans-and-more-added-to-isle-of-wight-line-up|url-status=live}}
• Truck: {{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/98743/the-charlatans-lucy-rose-and-more-for-added-to-truck-festival-lineup|title=The Charlatans, Lucy Rose and more added to Truck Festival lineup|work=Gigwise|author=Skinner, Tom|date=10 March 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=23 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423142857/http://www.gigwise.com/news/98743/the-charlatans-lucy-rose-and-more-for-added-to-truck-festival-lineup|url-status=live}}
• Glastonbury: {{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/101349/the-charlatans-play-surprise-show-at-glastonbury-2015|title=The Charlatans play surprise show at Glastonbury 2015|work=Gigwise|author=Mitchell, Elliot|date=26 June 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021123255/https://www.gigwise.com/news/101349/the-charlatans-play-surprise-show-at-glastonbury-2015|url-status=live}} In September, they toured Europe, before going on a US in November, with support from the Eyelids.{{cite web|url=http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/the_charlatans_announce_new_u.s._tour_dates_share_sproston_green_live_video/|title=The Charlatans Announce New U.S. Tour Dates, Share "Sproston Green" Live Video|work=Under the Radar|author=Roberts, Christopher|date=1 September 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913002754/http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/the_charlatans_announce_new_u.s._tour_dates_share_sproston_green_live_video/|url-status=live}} In December, the band toured the UK again; around this trek, Modern Nature was re-issued on vinyl.{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/features/103635/the-charlatans-tim-burgess-interview-on-new-album-modern-nature|title=Tim Burgess: 'It's a tragedy that London is being homogenised'|work=Gigwise|author=Trefor, Cal|date=5 November 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021124959/https://www.gigwise.com/features/103635/the-charlatans-tim-burgess-interview-on-new-album-modern-nature|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/102298/charlatans-announce-uk-tour-dates-december|title=The Charlatans announce UK December tour|work=Gigwise|author=Moore, James|date=21 August 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023064126/https://www.gigwise.com/news/102298/charlatans-announce-uk-tour-dates-december|url-status=live}} In March 2016, the band went on a tour of Australia.{{cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/news/uk-indie-lords-the-charlatans-announce-2016-aussie-tour-dates/Yq11dHd2eXg/30-09-15/|title=UK Indie Lords The Charlatans Announce 2016 Aussie Tour Dates|work=The Music|date=30 September 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021190902/https://themusic.com.au/news/uk-indie-lords-the-charlatans-announce-2016-aussie-tour-dates/Yq11dHd2eXg/30-09-15/|url-status=live}} Norman Cook remixes of "Trouble Understanding" were released on a 12" vinyl single as part of Record Store Day 2016.{{cite AV media notes|title="Trouble Understanding"|others=The Charlatans|year=2016|type=sleeve|publisher=

BMG|id=538194731}}

{{Album ratings

| ADM = 7.6/10{{cite web|url=http://anydecentmusic.com/review/6942/The-Charlatans-Modern-Nature.aspx|title=Modern Nature by The Charlatans reviews|publisher=AnyDecentMusic?|accessdate=19 October 2020|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206070540/http://anydecentmusic.com/review/6942/The-Charlatans-Modern-Nature.aspx|url-status=live}}

| MC = 80/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/modern-nature/the-charlatans-uk/critic-reviews|title=Critic Reviews for Modern Nature|publisher=Metacritic|accessdate=19 October 2020|archive-date=8 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908142409/https://www.metacritic.com/music/modern-nature/the-charlatans-uk/critic-reviews|url-status=live}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/modern-nature-mw0002767913|title=Modern Nature – The Charlatans {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=19 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021191051/https://www.allmusic.com/album/modern-nature-mw0002767913|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = Clash

| rev2Score = 7/10{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Mat|url=http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/the-charlatans-modern-nature|title=The Charlatans – Modern Nature {{!}} Reviews|work=Clash|date=12 January 2015|accessdate=19 October 2020|archive-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331130815/http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/the-charlatans-modern-nature|url-status=live}}

| rev3 = Daily Express

| rev3Score = 4/5{{cite web|last=Townsend|first=Martin|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/554000/Drew-Holcomb-And-The-Neigbors-The-Charlatans-Meghan-Trainor-album-reviews|title=Drew Holcomb And The {{notatypo|Neighbors}}, The Charlatans and Meghan Trainor: Album reviews|work=Daily Express|date=25 January 2015|accessdate=25 January 2015|archive-date=25 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125020923/http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/554000/Drew-Holcomb-And-The-Neigbors-The-Charlatans-Meghan-Trainor-album-reviews|url-status=live}}

| rev4 = The Daily Telegraph

| rev4Score = {{rating|5|5}}{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Helen|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/11365796/The-Charlatans-Modern-Nature-review-warms-the-bones.html|title=The Charlatans, Modern Nature, review: 'warms the bones'|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=25 January 2015|accessdate=25 January 2015|url-access=registration|archive-date=26 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150126022454/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/11365796/The-Charlatans-Modern-Nature-review-warms-the-bones.html|url-status=live}}

| rev5 = Drowned in Sound

| rev5Score = 8/10{{cite web|last=Gourlay|first=Dom|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/18571/reviews/4148575|title=Album Review: The Charlatans – Modern Nature|work=Drowned in Sound|date=19 January 2015|accessdate=19 October 2020|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216051853/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/18571/reviews/4148575|url-status=live}}

| rev6 = Exclaim!

| rev6score = 7/10{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/charlatans_uk-modern_nature|title=Charlatans UK Modern Nature|work=Exclaim!|author=Sookraj, Lisa|date=17 April 2015|accessdate=19 October 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001113202/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans_uk-modern_nature|url-status=live}}

| rev7 = The Guardian

| rev7Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|last=Bakare|first=Lanre|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/22/the-charlatans-modern-nature-review|title=The Charlatans: Modern Nature review – cheerful songs tinged with sadness|work=The Guardian|date=22 January 2015|accessdate=19 October 2020|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322023522/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/22/the-charlatans-modern-nature-review|url-status=live}}

| rev8 = London Evening Standard

| rev8Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/albums-of-the-week-jan-2329-9998305.html|title=Albums of the week (Jan 23-29)|work=London Evening Standard|author=Smyth, David|date=23 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=1 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701222829/http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/albums-of-the-week-jan-2329-9998305.html|url-status=live}}

| rev9 = Loud and Quiet

| rev9Score = 8/10{{cite web|last=Scott|first=Hayley|url=http://www.loudandquiet.com/2015/01/modern-nature-by-the-charlatans/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128024148/https://www.loudandquiet.com/2015/01/modern-nature-by-the-charlatans/|title=Modern Nature by The Charlatans|work=Loud and Quiet|date=January 2015|archivedate=28 January 2015|accessdate=25 January 2015}}

| rev10 = musicOMH

| rev10Score = {{rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Marsh|first=Graeme|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/charlatans-modern-nature|title=The Charlatans – Modern Nature|work=musicOMH|date=21 January 2015|accessdate=20 October 2020|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804235412/https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/charlatans-modern-nature|url-status=live}}

}}

Modern Nature was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, the album received an average score of 80, based on 16 reviews. Similarly, at AnyDecentMusic?, the album had an average rating of 7.6, based on 18 reviews.

musicOMH contributor Graeme Marsh found Modern Nature "[q]uite simply stunning", calling it "a must-have." He added, it was "[w]holly unexpected and majestic," with "repeated plays" that "will reward tenfold". AllMusic reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the album's "soulful undercurrents," making it sound "more unified than Who We Touch and also contemplative". He said, a lot of the record's "haziness derives from the shimmering production". The Guardian writer Lanre Bakare said that, "[f]rom the saddest of starting points, the Charlatans have made a joyful eulogy – and possibly the best album of their career." Drowned in Sound{{'s}} Dom Gourlay wrote that the album "fuses elements of the band's past glories with a vision firmly ensconced in the future." It acted as "another prized addition to The Charlatans' already wealthy canon."

Hayley Scott of Loud and Quiet referred to it as "fragile, danceable and never void of idiosyncrasies." London Evening Standard critic David Smyth wrote that the record "wears its sorrows lightly .. [with] no sense that the band are tossing out one more album for old time’s sake. Despite more troubles than most, they sound rejuvenated." Daily Express writer Martin Townsend said the band "return with a record that has all the vibrancy of a debut." Writing for Exclaim!, Lisa Sookraj described the album as "a fluid release, a chilled-out, soulful take on the Charlatans' psychedelic sound complemented by muted horns and jazzy keys." Clash{{'s}} {{notatypo|Mat}} Smith found that "much of this album seems to hark back to the 1970s", while in other parts of it, "the addition of dense production," plant the tracks "in an era that only now seems to be appreciated for what it produced."

Modern Nature reached number 7 in the UK; their highest in 14 years since Wonderland, which reached number 2. It also reached number 25 in Ireland.

{{track listing

| headline = Modern Nature standard track listing

| title1 = Talking in Tones

| length1 = 4:41

| title2 = So Oh

| length2 = 4:09

| title3 = Come Home Baby

| length3 = 3:56

| title4 = Keep Enough

| length4 = 4:18

| title5 = In the Tall Grass

| length5 = 3:50

| title6 = Emilie

| length6 = 3:18

| title7 = Let the Good Times Be Never Ending

| length7 = 6:30

| title8 = I Need You to Know

| length8 = 4:39

| title9 = Lean In

| length9 = 3:44

| title10 = Trouble Understanding

| length10 = 4:07

| title11 = Lot to Say

| length11 = 3:33

}}

{{tracklist

| headline = Physical deluxe edition bonus disc

| title1 = We Sleep on Borrowed Time

| length1 = 4:27

| title2 = Walk with Me

| length2 = 4:07

| title3 = As Long as You Stick by Me

| length3 = 4:14

| title4 = I Will Never Leave You

| note4 = demo

| length4 = 3:02

}}

{{tracklist

| headline = Digital deluxe edition bonus tracks

| title12 = We Sleep on Borrowed Time

| length12 = 4:27

| title13 = Walk with Me

| length13 = 4:07

| title14 = Honesty

| length14 = 3:17

| title15 = Marauder

| note15 = instrumental

| length15 = 3:39

}}

The Charlatans

• Tim Burgess – lead vocals
• Tony Rogers – Hammond Organ, Piano, Melotron, backing vocals
• Mark Collins – guitar
• Martin Blunt – bass

"Walk With Me"

• CJ Allen – vocals
• Dan Oakey – vocals
• Eleanor Southwell – vocals
• David Longdon – vocals
• Vin Whyte – vocals

Additional personnel

• Peter Salisbury – drums (tracks 1, 2, 5, 8, and 9)
• Gabriel Gurnsey – drums (tracks 3, 7, 10, and 11)
• Stephen Morris – drums (track 6)
• Dave Tolan – drums (track 4)

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDtOPDit86fd72uutoaKZuf_0cviVtQQB Modern Nature] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)
• [https://www.ukmusicreviews.co.uk/interviews/interview-tim-burgess/ Interview with Tim Burgess] at UK Music Reviews

{{The Charlatans}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2015 albums

Category:The Charlatans (English band) albums

Category:BMG Rights Management albums