Chameleons Return with “Arctic Moon”—A Bold New Chapter 24 Years in the Making
In a career that has spanned decades, Chameleons—Manchester’s revered post-punk architects—are back with Arctic Moon, their first full-length studio album in 24 years. This highly anticipated release marks a fresh chapter for the band, not only due to the extended gap between albums but also because it features the current lineup for the very first time.
Arctic Moon introduces seven new tracks, including the recently unveiled single “Saviours Are A Dangerous Thing” (which comes with a compelling music video) and a re-recorded version of the band’s 2024 single, “Where Are You?”. But it’s the sprawling, slow-burner “David Bowie Takes My Hand” that truly defines the album, showcasing the band’s ability to meld grandiose, cinematic soundscapes with deeply introspective songwriting.
While the album signals a shift in direction—moving slightly away from the angular, jangly sound that defined much of their earlier work—the emotional weight and intensity that have always underpinned the Chameleons’ catalog remain firmly in place. There’s a sense of musical maturity here that feels like an evolution, rather than a reinvention.
Bassist and lead vocalist Mark Burgess, who is also known as Vox, described the album as a “positive step forward.” In a recent interview, he noted: “There’s 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. 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!”
Since finishing the album, Chameleons have been keeping busy, tearing up stages across the globe. Their summer included an extensive US tour, which saw them headline a series of shows, as well as join forces with The Psychedelic Furs for a number of high-energy dates. Meanwhile, back home in the UK, they performed at the Forever Now festival in Milton Keynes, where The Guardian hailed their performance, noting that the “gnarled angst and integrity of Manchester’s ultimate cult band remains intact.”
The release of Arctic Moon also heralds the band’s return to North America for another tour, set to kick off shortly after the album drops. Later this year, Chameleons will take their new material to mainland Europe and will cap off 2025 with a highly anticipated UK tour.
For fans who have been waiting patiently for the Chameleons’ next move, Arctic Moon is a reminder that even after 24 years, the band still has an uncanny ability to surprise, evolve, and deliver some of the most emotionally resonant music in their storied career.
Upcoming tour dates and ticket information can be found here, this is one musical journey you don’t want to miss.