Manchester post punk legends The Chameleons are back with new recorded work for the first time in 24 years. The reason behind the resurfacing? The abysmal state of current affairs — particularly of Western civilizations.
“I just see too many echoes of the 1930s in what’s been going on in the world,” says lead singer and bassist Vox, “which I personally see as being extremely dangerous — both for the country I’ve chosen to live in and the Western world in general.”
Something needs to be said… and Chameleons are keeping it short and to the point.
Spanning a short seven tracks, Arctic Moon offers The Chameleons’ signature aggressive sound that made them a staple of the mid-80s, only this time, their words pack way more of a punch. Starting with “Where Are You?”, Vox spouts lyrics about seeking a friend for the end of the world (so to speak… or possibly literally, at this rate). With all the violence and corruption, it’s best to latch onto someone who can keep you “sane”… to have and to hold while saving your soul from darkness creeping in from all around. And, hopefully, vice versa. The track’s lyrics can be taken a step further, too, with Vox asking a partner “where are you” on the political spectrum? On global issues? On keeping your head?
Transitioning into track two, “Lady Strange” seems to stand as salvation in tried times. “All the pleasures of this world // they can’t measure up to you”… seems like Vox has found his apocalyptic companion. “Help me grow // heal and change,” Vox begs of “Lady Strange”. Because it “Feels Like The End Of The World”, aka title of track three. With melodious strings taking lead, the song begins on a hopeful footing, “it’s not going to rain today”… whelp, scratch that. Once out the door, everything seems to crumble into chaos. Your religion, your race, your affiliations — everything you do and say is shrouded in fear and loathing these days.
So, why are supposed ‘free’ nations shackled with such hate??
The Chameleons say we must free ourselves from our own self-imposed oppression if we want to progress humanity forward. And that’s without the much-needed political reform to curb the enthusiasm of certain tyrannical leaders taking way too many liberties at the expense of their citizens. How to fix this, you ask? Cue track four, “Free Me” — Chameleons’ downtempo plea to the general public. The powers that be want us divided; don’t play into the disinformation. Rise above the manipulation and make the world great again. See what I did there?
Bass-heavy “Magnolia” comes next, with a dark tone and timbre, warning the consequences of losing a loved one (or possibly it’s a metaphor for the destruction of society at large). The tempo slows down even more for “David Bowie Takes My Hand” next. Of course, that’s a bizarre one right off the bat. Echoes and reverb put forth a doom and gloom vibe, almost like being stuck in an alternate dimension (again, most likely a metaphor for living in a state of prolonged sociopolitical confusion). Vox even sounds like Bowie in his vocal delivery — it’s quite chilling.
Last up is lead single off the album, “Saviours Are A Dangerous Thing”. More upbeat, Vox announces, “Here he comes // Gliding down the street // Thousand dollar trainers on his feet // All the monkeys part to let him pass // Thinks he’s Jesus riding on an ass”…
Gee, who could he be talking about…?
Labeling He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named “Super Nero”, The Chameleons are clearly callout out an out-of-control dictator. Rome is burning… the question is, why isn’t anyone doing anything about it? With lyrics about an “orange parakeet” and “dancing the fandango”, again, Vox can be alluding to anyone… right? Just make way for a new ballroom.
But it’s not just the US — Arctic Moon is a worldwide wakeup call. It’s our choice now if we’re going to heed it. Following two critically-acclaimed EP releases last year, Where Are You? and Tomorrow Remember Yesterday, this full-length — out now via Metropolis Records — shows a more seasoned side for The Chameleons. “I think the songwriting is much more mature in a lot of ways,” continues Vox, “which is to be expected, I suppose, given our age. But I, for one, really believe we’re taking the band forward and I’m quite excited about it.”
After wrapping two back-to-back U.S. tours, the first supporting Psychedelic Furs in early summer before a short headlining tour to support Arctic Moon, The Chameleons are riding into the new year strong with a lot of excitement to come. Arctic Moon is now available for streaming on all digital outlets, as well as physically on vinyl (for those who really want to savor the OG Chameleon sound). For more information or to get your physical copy today, visit the links below.
The Chameleons – “Saviours Are A Dangerous Thing”
Track listing:
- Where Are You?
- Lady Strange
- Feels Like The End Of The World
- Free Me
- Magnolia
- David Bowie Takes My Hand
- Saviours Are A Dangerous Thing
Stream ‘Arctic Moon’ album:
Cover photography by Mick Peek
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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