Chameleons Vox @Waterfront, Norwich
This is a very strong set, full of excellent songs
Having seen Birds of Hell several times, I admire what Pete Murdoch is doing with this solo project but there's a difference between admiring and actively liking. That said, the more often I see BoH, the more I warm to a sound that veers from vaguely Current93-ish acoustic drone to the art-noise of Patti Smith and Kevin Shield’s Coral Sea project. Los Yarmouth and Let's Have The Windows Open are well worth a listen and this is the best BoH show I've seen yet. (7/10)
The Chameleons formed in 81 and disbanded amidst personal tragedy after a trio of fine albums. This, the latest in a series of (partial) reformations, sees frontman and bassist Mark Burgess as the only original member and, trading under The Chameleons Vox banner. Joining Burgess on what is advertised, perhaps mischievously, as a farewell tour are drummer Yves Altana, Nick Ashbury on keys and guitarists Neil Dwerryhouse and Chris Oliver. All of the ingredients of classic positive punk (aka goth) are in place: thundering drums, bass that is almost dub-like, chiming guitar, a deep voice and rousing, melodic songs.
This is a very strong set, full of excellent songs. Think Bunnymen without the egos or Bauhaus with popsmarts and you're getting close.
9/10
