The Chameleons return with their first album in 24 years, sporting a rock renovation to their signature sound, The Post-punk greats The Chameleons never seemed to catch a break. They signed to major label Epic in the early ’80s and looked like real contenders to be the next U2, only to get dropped after their first single. Soon after, Big Country and Echo & The Bunnymen eclipsed them.
After two great albums on tiny indie Statik Records, they signed to Geffen for their fantastic third record, 1986’s “Strange Times”, only to break up the next year following their manager’s death. The original line-up reformed in 2000, released the pretty good “Why Call It Anything” in 2001, and did some incredible tours , but old wounds never healed and they split again in 2003. Frontman/bassist Mark Burgess carried on as ChameleonsVOX, sometimes with powerhouse original drummer John Lever, who sadly died in 2017.
Burgess put together a new Chameleons line up in 2021 with original guitarist Reg Smithies (a rift remains with other guitarist Dave Fielding), plus Stephen Rice on guitar and Todd Demma on drums.
An album has been promised ever since, and here it is: “Arctic Moon”, their first in 24 years. Burgess says it signals a departure from the sound of earlier albums, and represents “a new chapter.” It’s not that much of a departure, though without Fielding distinctive, sharp rhythm guitar we don’t quite get that classic Chameleons sound. I appreciate that they didn’t just get someone to imitate his style, which they easily could have done.
The arrangements lean more “rock” this time, including an arm-swaying piano ballad (“Free of It”) complete with a traditional soaring guitar solo. Still, the melodies are distinctly Burgess’, as are his full-throated vocals. There are a few new classics for the canon: ripping opener “Where Are You?,” the ascending “Lady Strange” with its very Chameleons chorus and ringing guitars, and closer “Savoirs Are a Dangerous Thing,” which proves Burgess’ lyrical skills remain sharp. And like their other albums, “Arctic Moon” comes wrapped in Smithies’ distinctive, surreal cover art. It’s a worthy addition to The Chameleons’ legacy.
The Fat Angel Sings 