DASHING DEBUTS: THE CHAMELEONS UK – SCRIPT OF THE BRIDGE (#26)

The Chameleons UK are one of the lesser known bands (compared to names as Joy Division) in the beginning of the 80s who influentially shaped modern indie music with atmospheric guitar riffs and dark vocals, that bands such as Interpol rely so heavily upon. Their European fame is recognized, though their recognition in America remains to be seen for the most part. Their first LP, Script of the Bridge, is a classic album that was released in 1983. The first three songs on the album may distinguish it as one of the best opening tracks for an album that I have ever heard. Each song offers such a unique and rich sound with a varying structure.

‘Don’t Fall’ immediately kicks off the album with Mark Burgess’ rich vocals over an extremely tight rhythm section and reflecting guitar. The Chameleons UK tend to know how to build up a song well, and this is especially displayed on ‘Monkeyland’. You can sense the guitars and bass shifting higher and higher until an explosive chorus strikes your ears. Simply brilliant.

————————

The Chameleons UK – Don’t Fall

[audio:https://obscuresound.com/mp3/chameleons-dont_fall.mp3]

————————

The Chameleons UK – Here Today

[audio:https://obscuresound.com/mp3/chameleons-here_today.mp3]

————————

The Chameleons UK – Monkeyland

[audio:https://obscuresound.com/mp3/chameleons-monkeyland.mp3]

————————

Official Web Site
BUY

Mike Mineo

I'm the founder/editor of Obscure Sound, which was formed in 2006. Previously, I wrote for PopMatters and Stylus Magazine.

Send your music to [email protected].

4 Comments

  1. Great to see someone else posting on The Chameleons…!! Have a look at my place, lots of Chameleons and related (eg. The Reegs) over at my place…. excellent blog you have by the way, been visiting a few weeks now. Inspiring stuff. I always learn about some new stuff here… Thanks for the tunes.

  2. Thank you so much for posting these songs. It’s been years since I’ve heard ’em. BTW – You’re spot on with the Interpol comparison. The Chameleons, mid-period Sonic Youth, Live Skull and Interpol are all pretty close together on the sonic continuum.

  3. Excellent im fan of them since i heard Tears…..all music are beautifuls works of art, thanks for doing it

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.