Jason Lyles - Chameleana

Jason Lyles

Chameleana
self-released; 2020

3.7 out of 5

by Jamie Funk

Jason Lyles is a musician from Chattanooga, TN who recently released Chameleana. He explains: “I wrote the most of the songs for this album during the summer/fall of 2019 when I was on tour. I would drive through the NC mountains and record ideas on my phone in the car, then finish them up where I was staying or when I got home.

The album definitely dips into a number of different genres some of which I preferred. Up first is “Intro.” It’s a moody and cerebral ambient piece but doesn't really feel indicative of what lies ahead. I was reminded of Radiohead or The Notwist.

Next up is “The Fight” which reminded me of ’90s alternative songs I used to hear on the radio.  Songs from 3 Doors Down and Better Than Ezra come to mind. The percussion is intense on this song. “Twenty-Three” is the first song that caught my attention and it has distinct mix of folk and rock. The orchestral strings work really well with the song. I loved the energy from the drums and the vocals are quite catchy as well.

“Good Year” could have been a single back in the ’90s. It’s a simple song in terms of technicality and revolves around minor and major chords. The strength of the song is the hook. It’s the sort of song that would appeal to a broad demographic. He sounds like Billie Joe Armstrong during certain vocal sections.

He gets a little electronic on “Expand” which has a tranquil and serene type of quality. “Nothing Left for Me” is straight rock revolving around 4/4 time and a basic chord progression. It’s again a very ’90s vibe. The chorus is catchy. “More Weight” was a highlight. The orchestral strings are back and the song definitely drives. “Never Alone” is the slow and reflective ballad. Things get more reflective and pensive on the closer “Drain.”

​Overall, this release felt very pop oriented. The songs sounded like something you would hear on the FM dial but not necessarily contemporary which isn’t a bad thing in my opinion.

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