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‘Arctic Moon’ is the first full-length studio album by Chameleons in 24 years and the first to feature the current group line-up. It contains seven new songs that include the recent single ‘Saviours Are A Dangerous Thing’ STREAM, a re-recorded version of ‘Where Are You?’ (2024 single), plus longer compositions such as the slow-burning epic ‘David Bowie Takes My Hand’.
Pre-order details HERE.
“The Manc lizard kings mix of head shop philosophy and mournful stadium jangle has aged well. Still souls in isolation, still very much alive in there ****” MOJO
“The muscular opener confirms they mean business, with further shape-shifting amid gothic jangles and a convincing anthemic passion recalling former moody heights, while the more sprawling tracks best illustrate their 21st century relevance 8/10” UNCUT
“It’s rare for a band to recapture the magic of their youth so ably, but that’s exactly what they have done here 9/10” VIVE LE ROCK
“A mix of their original atmospheric, guitar-driven sound alongside a fresh, more expansive sonic palette that reflects their musical evolution” BLITZED
Although signalling something of a departure from the sound of their earlier albums, ‘Arctic Moon’ nevertheless remains rooted in the same emotional depth, spirit and intensity that has always defined their output.
“There is an obvious maturity to the songwriting on this record, and anyone familiar with our past work will hear that this is a positive step forward,” bassist and singer Vox (Mark Burgess) has previously stated. “While we’re proud of the band’s legacy, we really wanted to forge something fresh while retaining that profound and imaginative quality we’re known for. We think that we have managed to do that and deliver a very strong record!”
Chameleons have spent the summer touring on both sides of the Atlantic, with their latest headlining US trek also incorporating a dozen dates with The Psychedelic Furs. UK shows included an appearance at the Forever Now festival held at Milton Keynes Bowl, The Guardian reporting that the “gnarled angst and integrity of Manchester’s ultimate cult band remains intact.”
Another North American tour commences shortly after the release of ‘Arctic Moon’, followed by mainland European dates from late October and a previously announced UK tour in November TOUR & TICKET INFO HERE.
Long cited as a hugely influential act, having inspired the likes of (The) Verve, Oasis, Interpol, The Killers, Editors and White Lies, Chameleons are renowned for their transformative catalogue and intense, emotionally charged live performances, creating a legacy that extends far beyond their four previously issued studio albums. Their widely acclaimed debut, ‘Script of the Bridge’ (1983), has been cited by many as a masterpiece way ahead of its time, and was followed by ‘What Does Anything Mean? Basically!’ (1984), ‘Strange Times’ (1986) and ‘Why Call It Anything?’ (2001).
Their unique sound swiftly gained an audience with its mix of melancholic yet energetic and powerful tunes, hypnotic, ethereal riffs and a potent, timeless lyrical style. They are considered one of the most influential guitar bands of the ’80s and ’90s, contributing substantially to the post-punk, shoegaze and indie scenes.
2024 saw the release of two EPs that kicked off a new chapter for the band. ‘Where Are You?’ consisted of three new songs, while ‘Tomorrow Remember Yesterday’ featured five re-recorded archive tracks. The well-received ‘Saviours Are A Dangerous Thing’ was issued in late May 2025, setting the scene for ‘Arctic Moon’, an album that sees Chameleons propelling forward musically while retaining the essence that has made them iconic.
ARCTIC MOON
TRACKLISTING
1 Where Are You?
2 Lady Strange
3 Feels Like The End Of The World
4 Free Me
5 Magnolia
6 David Bowie Takes My Hand
7 Saviours Are A Dangerous Thing
CHAMELEONS
Mark Burgess (Vox) – vocals, bass
Reg Smithies – guitar
Stephen Rice – guitar
Danny Ashberry – keyboards
Todd Demma – drums
CHAMELEONS | 2025 photo by Hels Millington Photography
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