The Chameleons - Arctic Moon (2025)

Tracklist

01. Where Are You?
02. Lady Strange
03. Feels Like The End Of The World
04. Free Me
05. Magnolia
06. David Bowie Takes My Hand
07. Saviours Are a Dangerous Thing

After more than two decades without new material, The Chameleons return with Arctic Moon, their fifth album proper, a seven-track collection that feels both timeless and urgently relevant. From the opening moments, it’s clear the band hasn’t lost its knack for a catchy hook and creating rich, atmospheric sounds; in particular, the lush guitar tones the band is renowned for.

Opening track and first single “Where Are You” is the perfect one-two punch to kick off the album and perfectly showcases the band’s distinctive guitar tones.

The band’s initial trilogy of albums – Script of the Bridge (1983), What Does Anything Mean? Basically (1985) and Strange Times (1986) remain one of the finest three-album runs in post-punk history, cementing The Chameleons as one of the genre’s most enduring and influential forces. Arctic Moon builds on that legacy without simply retracing old steps.

Vox’s (FKA Mark Burgess) vocals are strong and remarkably intact for a singer over four decades into his career. His delivery carries an emotional weight that drives the albums themes of isolation, reflection and renewal. The production is immaculate, each instrument is perfectly placed in the mix, allowing the aforementioned trademark guitar tones, melodic basslines, punchy drums and atmospheric synths to breathe.

Second track “Lady Strange” highlights this clarity beautifully. Its hypnotic, looping guitar riff recalls the band’s 1980s roots while introducing a sharper, modern edge. Elsewhere, “Feels Like the End of the World” captures The Chameleons at their most anthemic, layering tension and release with haunting precision.

“Magnolia” and “David Bowie Takes My Hand” nod to their UK contemporaries Sad Lovers And Giants, weaving textured psychedelia, ambient keyboards, and delicate melodies. The band, in particular Vox, have long been fans of David Bowie, having covered the icon’s songs “John, I’m Only Dancing” and “Moonage Daydream” during their early days.

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