Mark Burgess Talks The Chameleons’ Past, Present, and Future: post-punk frontman talks band’s new EP ‘Where are You?’, their upcoming first new album in 20 years, and ‘Strange Times’ Anniversary tour in new interview. 

Few bands have maintained a cult status as enduring as The Chameleons. Led by inimitable vocalist Mark Burgess, the band’s pioneering take on post-punk has resonated through decades, influencing countless artists along the way. In a recent conversation, Burgess opens up about the band’s latest EP, Where Are You?, their creative process, and what the future holds.

Where Are You?, marks a pivotal return for core band members and the results sound are rejuvenating. Burgess shares that his creative process has indeed evolved over the years. “Yes, it has changed,” he admits, suggesting a maturation that reflects the band’s journey through the tumultuous landscape of the music industry.

The diversity in the EP is readily apparent, from the dancehall vibes of the title track to the classic post-punk sound of “Endlessly Falling,” and the introspective tones of “Forever.” This variety is no accident. “You always want to try and make an album that covers different facets,” Burgess explains. The diversity, as he sees it, is all by design.

Interestingly, “Endlessly Falling” was an old song that was never completed, originally intended for  an 80’s Peel session. “Forever,” on the other hand, is a new creation by Burgess, showcasing the band’s ability to blend their classic sound with new dimensions.

It’s been over 20 years since The Chameleons released new material as a full band, so the EP acts as a harbinger of more material to come, with a full-length album on the way.

The recording process for their upcoming release began during the pandemic. It proved therapeutic over that tumultuous period, and spurred the band to write new music together again. “We’re still working on it at the moment,” Burgess notes, adding that the band is currently in a state of hiatus, so no formal release date has been set.

Reflecting on why it took so long to get the ball rolling on new material, Burgess mentions the band’s tendency to think in terms of albums and CDs, rather than singles, and the band needing some time to rekindle their chemistry before embarking on a new sonic venture.

As The Chameleons prepare to continue their U.S. tour celebrating their 1986 release Strange Times, Burgess reflects on its legacy. The remastering process (by Guy Massey) for the recently released 2-disc edition has given the album a vibrant rebirth. “It holds up and we wanted to recreate it correctly live with all the elements,” he says.

America’s strong response to the album (buoyed by college radio in the 80s) has made this tour particularly special, despite Burgess’s general aversion to albums-played-in-their entirety tours. “But this seemed timely,” he admits. The fact that the album still sounds fresh 36 years later is a testament to the band’s signature sound and songcraft.

The Chameleons feel underrated when compared to their 80s peers, but their influence on modern indie bands is undeniable. Burgess frequently hears feedback from other artists who cite The Chameleons as an inspiration. “I hear that all the time, but who knows what’s true,” he says modestly. Nonetheless, it’s flattering for him to hear bands he admires acknowledging The Chameleons’ impact.

Looking ahead, Burgess is focused on The Chameleons and has no current side projects. “With this band, I don’t feel like I need any side projects. They can provide whatever I need,” he asserts. However, he fondly recalls his 2019 tribute to the late Adrian Borland of The Sound, highlighting the occasional joy of exploring different musical landscapes.

As for upcoming performances, Austin fans will be pleased to know the band will be playing at this year’s Levitation festival. (The UK born Burgess currently resides in Arlington, Texas, although he’s abroad at the moment).

With the new EP and an album in the works, The Chameleons continue to evolve while staying keeping their core sonic identity. As they embark on their U.S. tour, fans old and new will have the chance to experience the enduring legacy of a band that manage to be both timeless yet contemporary.