Hearing this intro unannounced, you wouldn’t suspect it as the new single from indie stalwarts The Charlatans.
With a forceful beat and rising guitars Oh Vanity is more like a Doves record, and even The Charlatans’ signature Hammond organ is more focused than usual. Naturally Tim Burgess’ familiar voice gives the game away but this is still The Charlatans being as adventurous and unconventional as they have ever been. True the second half of the song feels a bit repetitive and they could have ended it at the two-minute mark, but it is nevertheless a stunning return to form.