This is an album that grabbed me from the word "Blue", right through to "Nothing". Chris Cameleon achieves a new sound, without trying to obviously be different. His musical style flows as an extension from his persona, outlook on composition and collaboration with SA music industry heavy, Theo Crouse.
It must be noted that this album is a departure from anything he has released in Afrikaans, or with his monkey-punk outfit, Boo!. If you're looking for trademark Cameleon, you'll find it here, but with a different colour than "Ek herhaal jou", "7de Hemel" or vintage Boo!.
One criticism I might have is that at times the production becomes thin, almost midi-esque. This however can be seen as a style on its own, and thus a personal preference. With songs like "Blue", title-track "Shine" and "Machine", production is loud, arrangements full and colourful and gripping, but I sensed a bit of a lull in "Sad Heart". Even though it is a ballad, I felt the song rang empty and a great song was maybe shorthanded by thinnish production.
Chris Cameleon also has a flair for the dramatic, and none moreso than in title track "Shine", which has done well on the charts, and sports a great video. The lyrics is clear, illustrative and crescendos in a fantastic bridge section. This is definitely my track selection.
One also again is reminded that Chris Cameleon is not just a fantastic songwriter, but an accomplished instrumentalist. Listen to the bass-lines in "Nothing", or guitar-riffs in "Shine".
I suggest you go and preview the album and have a listen yourself.
MP3s available at
Rhythm Online Music Store
Reviewbru diggs this album, and is looking forward to the next English release from this colourful artist, but hopes to see some more authentic live recording sounds.
