SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE CHAMELEONS – TOMORROW REMEMBER YESTERDAY

THE CHAMELEONS
TOMORROW REMEMBER YESTERDAY
METROPOLIS RECORDS

When The Chameleons released their EP, Where Are You?, in May 2024, it was their first new studio recording in over 20 years. Their last album, Why Call It Anything, was originally released in 2001. Since then, there have been numerous live albums, and the band continues to perform live. Now, The Chameleons seem ready to record. Just a few months since their last one, the band has put together a new five-track EP, Tomorrow Remember Yesterday, and an album, Arctic Moon, set to be released in 2025. This EP is not so much new music as it is new versions of older songs that the band, namely Mark Burgess, felt were never recorded to their satisfaction.

Burgess and company have dusted off some of their older tracks, re-recorded them, and brought all the songs into 2024. It is an excellent EP, and all the tracks benefit from the new arrangements and recordings. Opening with “The Fan And The Bellows”, originally recorded in 1981, the song does not sound dated at all and is as contemporary as anything on alternative radio. Burgess’s voice is strong and the instrumentation is tight. “The Fan and The Bellows” is sung with such beauty and emotion. It is worth the price of the EP alone. “Nostalgia” dates back to 1985 and sounds very fresh with the new arrangement. The backing vocals are particularly striking.

“Nathan’s Phase” is another song from the very early days of the band. As with all of the songs on the EP, it has been released previously, yet the version found on Tomorrow Remember Yesterday is clearly the definitive one. It is almost as though Burgess and the band had to grow into the song. “Every Day I’m Crucified” is an excellent rocker from the band, and perhaps the one song on the EP that has truly changed from the original. New lyrics have been added, which brings the song into the present. A great version. Tomorrow Remember Yesterday ends with “Things I Wish I’d Said”, which has been performed by the band on one of John Peel’s Sessions. This song is heartbreaking and brings a whole new meaning to the idea of vulnerability. Burgess seems to be bearing his soul, and it is quite an achingly beautiful song.

Tomorrow Remember Yesterday is a brilliant EP. It is a nice reminder of their past glories while looking forward to new music. The Chameleons have been going strong since 1981, and each new collection is always something to celebrate. Sometimes, the time between releases is too long, but with two new EPs, and a new album expected in 2025, it is time to celebrate The Chameleons. Tomorrow Remember Yesterday is a great way to honour this brilliant band.

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