Light was filtering in through gaps in the top curtains as the Charlatans took to the stage and, after two sold-out nights at the larger Manchester Apollo, Liverpool presented something of a comedown. They rattled through half the songs from the new album, Up at the Lake, as if it were a contractual obligation, seemingly intent on finding a multipack of Alka Seltzer and a darkened room elsewhere.

It wasn't until the band started playing some of their hits that Tim Burgess woke from his slumbers. His syllables still melt into one another like maple syrup but he is no longer content to merely drape himself over the microphone for the duration, instead punching the air and flirting coyly with the audience between songs. After an abysmal solo album and a protracted absence in the wilds of Los Angeles, maybe he has realised how much he needs this band. At one point, standing stage left, he even turned to admire them like a proud father.

He might have wished he hadn't looked: the light show said mobile disco more than triumphant rock concert and organist Tony Rogers dared to deliver his solo song, Loving You Is Easy, with his back to the audience. The whole band stared intently at their instruments through some painfully extended jamming, demonstrating the same worthy musicianship that Ocean Colour Scene are berated for.

But the Charlatans are survivors - of death, Britpop and dubious accounting - so we have had sympathy for them. Unfortunately, there's a very fine line between a survivor and a punch-drunk boxer clinging to the ropes, afraid of hitting the mat.

The Charlatans are in danger of becoming the Rolling Stones for the student union circuit. They have a clutch of dynamite singles but there was a strong smell of nostalgia in the air.

· At Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone (01303-228 600), tonight. Then touring.