Chameleon

Less than a year since their debut EP, “Something in the Water,” NYC-based duo Chameleon is back with their second collection of original material, still steeped in the programmed synth ambience of its predecessor, with a bit more of an organic acoustic resonance and nod to glorious rock abandon this time out. “The Monster EP” is that much more realized in scope – a fully fleshed songwriting journey taken by Chameleon masterminds Chloe Lowery and Andrew Ross into the stark recesses of their multifarious influences and dramatic emotional execution. In short, Chameleon is meant to be felt as much as listened to.

First single “Anthem,” for which a video was also shot showcasing the band wandering through their native New York City’s chic industrial debris, kicks into high gear with a single repetitive power chord that underscores the song’s climactic nature. Lowery’s voice hangs in seemingly impossible stratospheric range throughout, yet remains undeniably vulnerable and melodic – the sense that an unshakeable urgency is carried on her back looms large. “Zombie” begins with Ross on lead vocal with a tripped-out whisper (“Once you taste the zombie, she’ll drag your soul to hell”) before an electronica mashup of thinly veiled Jimmy Page-meets-Tony Iommi guitar lines appear, ushering in Lowery’s voice amid scrappy indie rock gurgle.

“Stay Wait” is a beautifully delicate laying bare of a soul – Lowery mourns “your touch is so lonesome I could cry” as she begs a stay-the-course romanticism over seguing AOR thunder come mid-song. “How The West Was Won” is equally as emotive; however, a bluesier direction is taken via acoustic slide guitar and bottomless foot stomp. Ross’ vocal is prominently featured, serving the grit of the song well with his ferocious holler as the perfect counterbalance to Lowery’s angelic strains. “The River” ends the EP with a flurry of sonic textures – nimble percussive elements and shimmering strings bely the eventual shivering lyrical revelation of, “Stars can find you, monsters can find you too.”

An expansive, ambitious collection of artistic musings and gripping melody, Chameleon’s sophomore outing raises the bar for their ever-emboldened musical expressionism.

Chameleon ‘The Monster EP’ Rating: W W W W W - By Mark Uricheck Weekender Correspondent

This Keith with Soundcrave Magazine I am here with the talented Chloe Lowery from Chameleon how are you today? I’m doing great! How about yourself? I am good, I just came across your band and was blown away. Can we talk a little about Chameleon? Thank you and yes lets do it. I notice you are a two piece right now That is correct. Who is in the band with you? The core of CHAMELEON is myself and Andrew Ross. We write and produce all of our own material. However, live we have a full band. Our band members have contributed to the production, sound, and development of CHAMELEON. Aurelien Budynek plays guitar and bass. Gabe Marshall on drums. Lena Lien on Saxophone. and Justin Surdyn on trumpet. It’s one big happy family. haha. Are there plans to stay a two piece? Like I said, the core of CHAMELEON is Andrew and I as you can say we are the founders of this project. But, our band members are every bit as important. With out them, we would not be able to make the sound we make. Hope that answers your question. haha. Are they active member’s of Chameleon? or more session performers? We write the music and our friends play for us on our records and on stage. They are active members of CHAMELEON with out being the forward figures of CHAMELEON. Does that make sense? Yes of course
Style wise your band sound carries from Rock, to Grunge to Pop and Electronic. For someone listening to you for the first time how would you describe your music? I think if you have to generalize Chameleon into a singular category it would be alternative rock/pop. However, the whole idea behind CHAMELEON including the name, was to be able to cross genres and not be labeled or stereotyped as just one thing. ( All this being said without the intention of sounding like a douche hahaha ) I did forget to mention the elements of soul and blues, would you say that it is a positive for your band that your sound cannot be narrowed down to one style? Well, we can….Generally…Rock is the category. But there are many layers…. Do I think its negative…No. Do some?? I’m sure they do. But, art is subjective and why have to mold things into something structured when it can be its own thing. I always feel like its easy to generalize a band, but it is impossible to do that with Chameleon. One song makes me want to rock the next makes me want to cry. That’s impressive in a world that serves us mostly cookie cutter bands Thank you. I mean…think of it like this….I don’t like just one style of music nor does anyone else….. So why do artists have to make records of 12 songs that all sound the same? Why can’t it be a little different??? A little more up and down…. ( not so drastic that you won’t recognize the same band from song to song ) but I think variety is important….and natural above all things. But hey what do I know. ha! ha! You must know something. Your music is also very emotional. As an artist how does it make you feel to know that your voice can bring someone to tears in a good way? It feels incredible. As artists, its our job to speak from the heart and from experience. If someone is moved or touched by what we have to say then our job is a job well done. It means everything really. It’s why I do what I do. Can we talk a little about “Something In The Water”? Absolutely! Is this going to be released as a free EP? Well the EP is already released and its free! LoL! That was simple. hahahaha! When did you put it out? I believe March 5th??? The EP is very well produced, which I am sure is quite costly. What are your thoughts on releasing your EP for free? Thank you so much! We worked with some amazing people on this EP and most of them are our friends who put in time for free. Also, Andrew has a studio in his house which we recorded most of the EP at. In regards to it being free, we wanted people to hear it! Obviously, who’s gonna say no to something thats free! hahaha! As a former New Yorker, to me your sound is very New York. Has anyone ever told you that? Actually, no…. I don’t think so….. hmmm Trying to think… LOL! I am really feeling your music. LOL! Maybe its all the Death Metal I listen to, lol! Hahaha! Andrew is a huge metal fan so I listen to my fair share of metal! Does that mean a little distortion and metal may make its way into a Chameleon record in the future? Yes. We are releasing a full length album in late August. You will def hear more elements of metal and distortion including our single ANTHEM, which is coming out early August. You mentioned your new album out in August. Do you have a name for it yet? Not yet…. Still haven’t decided. That’s a quick transition from releasing your EP in March. Can you tell people a little about the upcoming album? The EP consisted of the first songs we ever wrote as a band. Given we formed in 2011, we have written and produced a lot of material. We have experimented with new sounds and definitely grown. The EP was more a teaser of a taste if you will for people to get an idea and hear a sample of CHAMELEON. - Keith Lovett http://soundcravemagazine.com/chameleon-singer-chloe-lowery-interviewed/

This Keith with Soundcrave Magazine I am here with the talented Chloe Lowery from Chameleon how are you today? I’m doing great! How about yourself? I am good, I just came across your band and was blown away. Can we talk a little about Chameleon? Thank you and yes lets do it. I notice you are a two piece right now That is correct. Who is in the band with you? The core of CHAMELEON is myself and Andrew Ross. We write and produce all of our own material. However, live we have a full band. Our band members have contributed to the production, sound, and development of CHAMELEON. Aurelien Budynek plays guitar and bass. Gabe Marshall on drums. Lena Lien on Saxophone. and Justin Surdyn on trumpet. It’s one big happy family. haha. Are there plans to stay a two piece? Like I said, the core of CHAMELEON is Andrew and I as you can say we are the founders of this project. But, our band members are every bit as important. With out them, we would not be able to make the sound we make. Hope that answers your question. haha. Are they active member’s of Chameleon? or more session performers? We write the music and our friends play for us on our records and on stage. They are active members of CHAMELEON with out being the forward figures of CHAMELEON. Does that make sense? Yes of course
Style wise your band sound carries from Rock, to Grunge to Pop and Electronic. For someone listening to you for the first time how would you describe your music? I think if you have to generalize Chameleon into a singular category it would be alternative rock/pop. However, the whole idea behind CHAMELEON including the name, was to be able to cross genres and not be labeled or stereotyped as just one thing. ( All this being said without the intention of sounding like a douche hahaha ) I did forget to mention the elements of soul and blues, would you say that it is a positive for your band that your sound cannot be narrowed down to one style? Well, we can….Generally…Rock is the category. But there are many layers…. Do I think its negative…No. Do some?? I’m sure they do. But, art is subjective and why have to mold things into something structured when it can be its own thing. I always feel like its easy to generalize a band, but it is impossible to do that with Chameleon. One song makes me want to rock the next makes me want to cry. That’s impressive in a world that serves us mostly cookie cutter bands Thank you. I mean…think of it like this….I don’t like just one style of music nor does anyone else….. So why do artists have to make records of 12 songs that all sound the same? Why can’t it be a little different??? A little more up and down…. ( not so drastic that you won’t recognize the same band from song to song ) but I think variety is important….and natural above all things. But hey what do I know. ha! ha! You must know something. Your music is also very emotional. As an artist how does it make you feel to know that your voice can bring someone to tears in a good way? It feels incredible. As artists, its our job to speak from the heart and from experience. If someone is moved or touched by what we have to say then our job is a job well done. It means everything really. It’s why I do what I do. Can we talk a little about “Something In The Water”? Absolutely! Is this going to be released as a free EP? Well the EP is already released and its free! LoL! That was simple. hahahaha! When did you put it out? I believe March 5th??? The EP is very well produced, which I am sure is quite costly. What are your thoughts on releasing your EP for free? Thank you so much! We worked with some amazing people on this EP and most of them are our friends who put in time for free. Also, Andrew has a studio in his house which we recorded most of the EP at. In regards to it being free, we wanted people to hear it! Obviously, who’s gonna say no to something thats free! hahaha! As a former New Yorker, to me your sound is very New York. Has anyone ever told you that? Actually, no…. I don’t think so….. hmmm Trying to think… LOL! I am really feeling your music. LOL! Maybe its all the Death Metal I listen to, lol! Hahaha! Andrew is a huge metal fan so I listen to my fair share of metal! Does that mean a little distortion and metal may make its way into a Chameleon record in the future? Yes. We are releasing a full length album in late August. You will def hear more elements of metal and distortion including our single ANTHEM, which is coming out early August. You mentioned your new album out in August. Do you have a name for it yet? Not yet…. Still haven’t decided. That’s a quick transition from releasing your EP in March. Can you tell people a little about the upcoming album? The EP consisted of the first songs we ever wrote as a band. Given we formed in 2011, we have written and produced a lot of material. We have experimented with new sounds and definitely grown. The EP was more a teaser of a taste if you will for people to get an idea and hear a sample of CHAMELEON. - Keith Lovett http://soundcravemagazine.com/chameleon-singer-chloe-lowery-interviewed/

Go to site for audio interview. - The Musician's Voice - Mark Uricheck

You could try to categorize Chameleon's music, but why bother? Sure, there are distinguishable elements of pop, hard rock, electronica, and even a tinge of deep-souled blues in the New York City duo's mix. Throw in the indie, club-rockin' beat hypnosis of producer Doctor Robert and the lines further become blurred. How Chameleon is best enjoyed, however, is with a blank musical palette – fireworks of sonic vitality buzzing your consciousness.

Consisting of stratospheric vocalist Chloe Lowery and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Ross, a vocal titan in his own right, these two aural bohemians formed Chameleon in 2011 after hitting it off while touring as featured vocalists in Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Their progressive musical ideas led to the tracks on this debut EP, like “LA Chameleon,” a cut with percussive click-track liftoff, bass-heavy mechanized keyboards, and Lowery's breathy sass.

“Uh Huh” takes in a streetwise, urban double-bass groove and adds manic jazz horns, while the title track is ambient chaos – symphonic violin swells over dream-hushed synths, Lowery's voice gathering to pitch-perfect wails of wide-eyed expression. “Boom” is an Evanescence-meets-Stabbing Westward flashpoint of digital rock psychedelica, Ross's noise guitar wanderings thick with feel. Closing out the EP, “I Didn't Call” is a gorgeously simple cello/piano-accompanied heart-letting expression – Lowery's low-key vocal honesty is almost painful.

Torrential in its creative power, yet still containing catchy, delicate nuances, Chameleon manages to tame its would-be musical savagery with genre-warping, charismatic results. The band is offering “Something in the Water” as a free download at wearechameleon.com – blow your mind for nothing out of pocket.

Chameleon 'Something in the Water' Rating: W W W W W - Times Leader - Mark Uricheck