COLUMBUS, OH- The Chameleons, formed in the early ’80s in Manchester, emerged from the heart of the post-punk movement with a sound that fused raw emotional power with ethereal, atmospheric melodies. At a time when Manchester was teeming with bands trying to push the boundaries of punk and rock, The Chameleons managed to carve out a unique place with their brooding soundscapes and introspective lyrics. Fronted by Mark Burgess, whose voice carries an unmistakable authority and urgency, and anchored by the distinctive guitar interplay between Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding, the band quickly built a reputation for their intense live shows and a sound that could fill the largest of spaces yet remain profoundly intimate. Their debut album, Script of the Bridge, remains a seminal work in the genre, capturing the angst and melancholy of the post-punk era. Though they disbanded in the late ’80s after three albums, The Chameleons’ music only grew in influence over the years, celebrated by a dedicated fanbase and musicians alike. Reuniting in the 2000s, and again in recent years, they’ve proven that their music is as resonant now as it was decades ago, continuously connecting with audiences around the world.
When I first heard The Chameleons’ *Script of the Bridge* back in the ’80s, I became instantly enamored with the band. Their sound was so compelling, and Mark Burgess’ voice was so authoritative that they demanded immediate fandom from me. Being able to catch a second show within a year had me giddy, to say the least—the first time was when they supported The Mission’s *Déjà Vu* tour. This time, they returned as headliners to Skully’s in Columbus, OH, playing a much longer set that included their entire third album, Strange Times. I’d like to mention, for those interested, that CD copies of the album were available at the merch table, as the album isn’t streaming anywhere. I regret not purchasing one. Even though their opening set last year was engaging and powerful, this time, they exhibited even more of why they are a favorite among post-punk fans.
Opening the night was North Carolina’s psychedelic shoegaze band, The Veldt. Led by twin brothers Danny and Daniel Chavez, the band consists of four guitars, canned drums, bass, and keyboards. Despite this setup, their songs sounded very full; if you closed your eyes, you wouldn’t be able to tell. They delivered an impassioned eleven-song set as Daniel poured his spirit onto the stage through powerful vocals.
The band’s full sound can be attributed to an onslaught from their four-guitar lineup, rounded out by Hayato Nakao and Martin Newman alongside the Chavez brothers. They traded off leads and e-bow lines, creating a mix that’s atmospheric, funky, soulful, with a hint of psychedelia. The band finished their 50-minute set, giving time for the crew to prepare for The Chameleons.
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After a quick changeover, The Chameleons promptly took the stage at 9 p.m., playing the Strange Times album from start to finish. They opened with “Mad Jack” and moved quickly through the track list, down to the album’s final song, “I’ll Remember.” This format made it easy to anticipate when they would play the album’s two hits, “Tears” and the incredibly atmospheric “Swamp Thing,” for which Reg Smithies played an extended yet truncated intro. Mark Burgess, dressed in a black vest with no shirt, danced around when he wasn’t playing his signature Gibson SG bass. The current lineup consists of musicians who have been with the band since their 2021 reunion: drummer Todd Demma, guitarist Stephen Rice, and keyboardist Danny Ashberry. The band is tight. As an addition, they played “Ever After,” which wasn’t on the original release but was included on a bonus track CD. This song closed the main set.
In May 2024, the band released their first new music in 20 years, an EP titled Where Are You? Burgess has stated that he and Smithies are confident in their current lineup, ready to take the band into the future. There’s also a forthcoming LP, tentatively titled Arctic Moon, expected later this year. They opened their encore with the title track from the new EP, receiving resounding enthusiasm from the audience. They then reached back to *Script of the Bridge* for the night’s final songs. An extended 10-minute version of “Second Skin” saw Ashberry coming out from behind his keyboards to take over bass duties midway through, freeing up Burgess to deliver a passionate vocal and dance performance. As Smithies broke into the opening riff of their iconic song “Don’t Fall,” Ashberry continued on bass, allowing Burgess to dance and emote even more during the song.
Even though they played a solid 15-song set, I was left wishing for one or two more. They are a magnificent live band. With much to look forward to in the near future, my hope is to see them live again very soon. The North American leg of their tour ends on November 4th in Kansas City, after which they’ll head to Europe from December through February 2025.
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LIVE CLIPS
