NINE albums in and the Charlatans are still prepared to take serious musical risks, which speaks volumes of their attitude.

The Godfathers of Indie have taken a leap into uncharted waters with a bold reggae-tinge to their latest record.

This is no more apparent than with the eerie Specials-esque chorus on The Architect, which sounds completely unlike anything they’ve ever attempted to date.

"For me the new album is more like our first LP than any of the others as we have been trying out some new things and not quite sure what will happen with them, so it’s been exciting for us," revealed their rock-solid drummer John Brookes.

Given all that they been through in their eventful 16 career that’s included three number one albums and classic singles such as The Only One I Know, Can’t Get Out of Bed and North Country Boy, it’s more than a minor miracle they are still with us at all.

They have been mired in financial scandal as their accountant served time for swindling them out of £500,000. Not to mention the sudden loss of keyboard player Rob Collins, who was jailed after being convicted of driving a getaway car in an armed robbery and met his end following a road accident in 1996.

"Rob was a huge influence on our sound and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him. But he’s left his mark on the music which is his legacy," added John.

For many, such a massive loss would have spelled the end. But they rallied round each other to produce perhaps their greatest album to date, Tellin’ Stories. It was to prove their Hammond maestro’s critically acclaimed swansong.

Recruiting a new keyboard player, Tony Rogers, has seen them take a different perspective on their sound. It’s developed a more laid-back country feel than the indie grooves of old.

When frontman Tim relocated to LA and put out a solo record, many thought time would be called on the band.

"Tim going to America has actually given us a new lease of life. You can be in each others' pockets too much and not be communicating well - so it’s forced us to improve on that.

"We do argue a lot though, you just have to stand your ground, it’s not a 1960s love-in. There’s trouble and strife but as long as no-one pulls a gun, were fine," quipped the Midlands-born stick-man.

At 37, like most of the band he’s married with children and says that it is a fair challenge balancing work and family life.

However, he wouldn’t exchange anything for the experiences he has had with the Manchester outfit. Since first meeting Tim at a Stone Roses gig, they had a feeling they were destined for greater things.

Though the road has been rocky, it’s been rewarding. "When we started out I was 20 and didn’t expect to be doing it when I was 22. To come this far has taken a lot of effort and a few people have gone down along the way but it has been worth it."

Before the Charlatans, John visited Kent with his old band The Gift Horses, who recorded in Canterbury. His last visit to the county with Tim and co was a resounding success at the Leas Cliff Hall.

"While it’s great to get in the studio where you can be a bit more technical, it is brilliant when you’re playing live where you get that instant feedback - be it good or bad from the music."

* - The Charlatans play Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall on Thursday, May 4. Tickets £21.50. Box office 01303 228 600.