Chameleons @ El Corazon – 6/5/24
Show Review & Photos by Mike Mitchell

Chameleons, hailing from Manchester, England, played the entirety of their classic 1986 Geffen Records release Strange Times to a packed house at El Corazon on June 5th. While the influential postpunk/pre shoegaze band didn’t attract as much attention during their salad days as some of their contemporaries (U2, Echo & the Bunnymen, the Psychedelic Furs, and the early Cure), they were and remain a vital recording and touring outfit with a devoted following. Founding members Mark Burgess (vox/bass) and Reg Smithies (guitar) remain from the early days and are joined by Todd Dema (drums), Stephen Rice (guitar), and Danny Ashberry (keyboards). The band was in fine voice at El Corazon, layering their trademark shimmering, reverb-drenched guitars and moody keyboards over Burgess’ impassioned vocals and a strong rhythm section. Many in the crowd were singing along and every tune was received with warm and enthusiastic recognition by the capacity crowd.

Chameleons – photos by Mike Mitchell