As long as both Mark Burgess and guitarist Reg Smithies then this is the Chameleons. Having formed in 83, it puts them behind other British bands like the Cure or Joy Division as the forerunners of post-punk. This album puts melody before punk tension. Burgess's voice sounds great, and it captures who they were and who they are now in a genuine manner. The song "Nostalgia" pretty much sums up where they are at as a band, which finds the album's title lifted from these lyrics. There are impressive dynamics at play here, and they continue to prove their meddle as songwriters.
"Nathan's Phase" is thoughtful and finds them breezing through things with a graceful groove. This album is wonderfully produced with all the sounds sitting right where they need to be to serve the song. His vocals sit further back against the guitar here, but it compliments the mood of the song. The ghost of punk past haunts "Every Day I'm Crucified". It shows the band has not forgotten where they came from.
"Things I Wish I'd Said' is more of a straight-up rock song though moodier than most. Lyrically it is sorting through feeling and balancing regret. Almost more upbeat than what I want from these guys, but it works. I'll give this a 9.5, it serves as a fitting balance of where this band is in 2024, fans should be happy about this. this being an ep is respectful, as it shows they are smart enough to not drag what works out into a full length and dillute what they captured here.
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