FEW bands have been through as much as the Charlatans.

They've had hit albums and singles from their early baggie days through Britpop and beyond, touching upon soul, rock and pop as they went.

But they've also suffered tragedy too, with keyboard player Rob Collins killed in a car crash in 1996 and drummer Jon Brookes passing away due to a brain tumour in 2013.

Yet they are still going, with a new album, Modern Nature, that ranks among their best, and two nights booked at the Barrowland next week.

"There's a lot of sticky-back plastic holding us together," says bassist Martin Blunt.

"I don't think we've ever taken this as a career, and we can all still connect with each other as a group.

"We do grate on each other sometimes, but even that can still help creativity.

"There have been a few faux pas, but I can look back over several of our past albums and still feel proud of them."

He certainly has reason to feel proud of Modern Nature, the group's 12th record, a feast of cheerful pop tunes and warm vibes that's blessed with a soulful 60s style.

The band had begun work on the album before Brookes passed away, but weren't sure whether to continue with the band afterwards.

A tribute night to the drummer, which raised funds for the Brain Tumour Charity, made them decide to carry on.

"It was quite cathartic to do the album, as it was something that he'd (Jon) kicked off," adds Martin.

"We've never got complacent, but you can start to drift away from each other.

"The chat can get thinner, so to speak - when we got approached about doing a night for Jon, with all the proceeds going towards the brain tumour charity, which we're very supportive of because it's on the increase worldwide, that was a call to arms.

"We were thinking 'do we end it here or do we make something special,' and we thought it felt right (to make another album)."

The bassist reckons the album takes several of the band's previous influences, but weaves a few new ideas on top.

"I wouldn't say everything was in there, but we've drawn on the past and done some new equations with it," he says.

"We don't all have the same tastes in the band but there are things that cross over, like Curtis Mayfield and Stax records, and Tim (Burgess, singer) has brought in some more modern influences.

"It's been a while since we went into our own studio in Cheshire, and locked the door, and just had six months of homing in on where we wanted to go with it.

"I can say this is our most positive sounding album, and it's about looking forward in a positive way."

Next Tuesday and Wednesday sees them bring the record to the Barrowland, with the first night already sold out.

It's an occasion that Martin is looking forward to.

"Enjoying a gig at the Barrowland is a given," he says.

"Last time there was back on the Tellin' Stories anniversary tour (in 2012), and it's one of the best venues in Britain.

"That sprung dancefloor was probably never intended for quite as many people jumping in unison but it's just brilliant.

"There's always a sense of anticipation about doing it."

As survivors of many a music scene, the Charlatans have seen plenty of bands come and go.

Martin's intrigued by a couple of current acts, though, including Sleaford Mods, the duo who've wound up the likes of Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller recently.

"I think Peace are really good and I find Sleaford Mods quite interesting," he says.

"They're riling people up, but you need a bit of that sometimes in music. I'm glad they're knocking on a few doors - they might be running off after doing that, but at least they're knocking on the doors to start with."

The Charlatans, Barrowland, Tuesday/Wednesday, £27.50, 7pm