The band joined forces with XFM to give away their latest album free and their new single The Misbegotten is available on CD and digital download through Cooking Vinyl.

Taking a bit of time out from tour preparations, drummer Jon Brookes says: 'Everything's changing, the way people listen to and access music, and not only is it important to work with that, but we see it as a very positive thing.

'It largely depends how you look at it. A lot of bands struggle to be heard and there are a lot more avenues for them now. It might sound like a bit of irony that being able to hear bands for free benefits them.

'But the record companies had so much control and it was actually quiet difficult for a lot of bands to make money. That's changing and hopefully more bands will find they have more control over their own destiny.'

Which is something, he says, The Charlatans have always aspired to.

'Our fortunes have been up and down over the years but we've always aimed for control over what we want to and how we want to do it. And I think we've been pretty successful on that front.

'I don't think we would want to do this otherwise. The ideal of us being in control of our destiny is the over-riding ideal.'

They're particularly pleased with the new material. Well they would be, wouldn't they? But Jon , known to be the most affable of the band, happily explains.

'There have been times over the years when we have got close to what in our minds was perfection - exactly what we wanted to achieve. It feels this time that we're closer than we've ever been to making something that could be a signature.'

You can see and hear for yourself when the tour comes to Southampton Guildhall tomorrow (May 16). For tickets and details call 023 8063 2601 or visit www.southampton-guildhall.com