But it's not been as easy as that; loyal followers of the band will know of the past - the armed robbery conviction, the tragic accident that killed keyboard player Rob Collins, not to mention the recent relocation of Tim Burgess to LA. It's nothing short of a miracle that they've managed to weather the storms and stand the test of time in the way that they have.

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I ask whether they've thought about writing their autobiography. Martin isn't averse to the idea. "We've had a couple of books written about us and one was authorised," he says. "But maybe we should sit down some time and do a warts and all - the real story!"

When it does get written, it'll be some story. But there's still some mileage left in the Charlatans saga. Reviews of Simpatico have, surprisingly, commented on its dark content. "I think the lyrics are very dark," Blunt concedes. "The music is mellow but when you put the two together it catches you off guard, which I really like."

But it's not just the lyrics which have raised eyebrows - there's also a noticeable Clash influence evident on the album. "I think that was more from Tim, he's always been a really big fan of The Clash, and I think he's heard albums like Sandanista and London Calling." Blunt explains. "I never really get Sandanista myself because I think there are too many tracks on it! I think some of them are stuck on. It's like when CD's first came out when you could get 74 minutes of music on a CD. A lot of bands fill that up but you don't need to do that. But I think London Calling and Combat Rock are pretty outstanding albums."

Perhaps in keeping with the Clash influence, there's also some experimentation with reggae on the album. "There is a twist on there. The other band which we all agreed was fantastic was the LCD Soundsystem. One of the first tracks we did was City of the Desert - that's got a reggae tip on it. But it's not like, oh, this month we've been mostly listening to... There's a twist on there because it works well."

Fans of the band should rest assured however, that The Charlatans have not abandoned the sound which has characterised their music over the past 16 years. New single Blackened Blue Eyes is classic Charlatans. With a track written by Blunt and keyboardist Tony Rogers, it was sent over to Tim who apparently "straight away got the lyrics on there". In fact, it sounds so much like the Charlatans that apparently a friend of Blunt's, on hearing it on the radio, thought it was someone else ripping off The Charlatans. "I didn't know how to take that," Blunt puzzles. "Is it a compliment?"

Of course it is. But it does probably explain Tim Burgess's need to strike out on his own a couple of years ago with solo album I Believe, which sounds surprisingly un-Charlatanesque. "That was why it was a solo album, because it really wasn't anything that was going to be suitable for the band," Blunt says. "I think the songs were very personal." Did you like it? I ask him. There is a slight pause. "It had its moments. He needed to do it."

So if not Tim Burgess, who does brings the Charlatans sound to the band, in Blunt's opinion? "Tim brings the twists on moving forward," he replies. "But I think the trademark sound is more from the boys at the back. We were also really fortunate to find as likeminded a person to Rob Collins as Tony Rogers [Rob's replacement on keyboards]. That I think dealt us a good hand so that we could carry on at that point."

Speaking of influences, I ask how bands like Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand affect The Charlatans' music, if at all. "I take an interest - I'm still a music fan," Blunt affirms. "I wouldn't say I was affected by them, but I can see how good they are, particularly the two bands you've mentioned." So you like them then? "Oh yes. I actually saw the Arctic Monkeys at SXSW with Carl [Barat] from the Dirty Pretty Things. I really like his lyrics, it's like Alan Bennett with music. The same with Franz Ferdinand - they're good." But it's not just the British bands which are tickling his fancy. "The last good album I heard was a band from Canada called Black Mountain. I really enjoyed it."

With a tour booked and ready to go, The Charlatans are about to go into rehearsals. I ask how easy it is to start playing together again. Apparently not that easy. "Nothing is taken for granted," he says. "It's not about being slick, but to realise where you are so you haven't got to think about it. I always like it when it's a solid set which works really well." And fans who have already bought tickets on the tour might also like to know the following: "We rehearsed a track off the new album, Muddy Ground, and went straight into You're So Pretty afterwards and they run really well together."

Blunt obviously enjoys the playing live side of his work. When asked how long he could go on tour for, he's enthusiastic. "Forever! I enjoy live more than anything. It's the best thing in the world that people have actually gone and got tickets to come and see you. With us I do think even now, there's something a bit more dynamic live."

To witness some of that dynamism, see the band on tour in the UK throughout April and May or catch them at the T In the Park and V Festivals in July and August.

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