The would-be next album, "Dear Tommy" (2016), was scrapped, and was meant to be re-worked for a subsequent release, however the fate of album is unclear, as on August 10, 2021, Ruth Radelet, Adam Miller and Nat Walker announced the breaking up of Chromatics. Later that day the label, Italians Do It Better, and Johnny Jewel's representative, also confirmed the breakup. Their last album is "Closer to Grey" (2019), which has a companion album, "Faded Now" (2020).
The band originally hailed from Seattle and formed in 2002 as a quartet featuring vocalist Adam Miller, drummer Hannah Blilie, guitarist Devin Welch, and bassist Michelle Nolan. That lineup debuted in 2002 with a Calvin Johnson-produced 7" on Gold Standard Laboratories -- a split with Die Monitr Batss -- and followed with the similarly GSL-issued Chrome Rats vs Basement Ruts LP.
While Chrome Rats was critically hailed, Chromatics couldn't keep it together, and Miller was soon the only member in good standing (Blilie, Welch, and Nolan went on to form the similar-sounding Shoplifting). Unworried, Miller added guitar and drum programming to his vocal duties and tapped bassist Nat Sahlstrom for the 2003 GSL 7" Ice Hatchets. That was followed by the February 2004 full-length Plaster Hounds (which featured the percussion work of Get Hustle's Ron Avila), and a repositioning of the Chromatics axis to greater reflect its dub and no wave influences.
This lineup too dissolved and Adam Miller relocated Chromatics to Portland, teaming up with Glass Candy's Johnny Jewel, Ruth Radelet on lead vocals, and Nat Walker on percussion and saxophone. The new lineup of Chromatics had a more lo-fi electronic sound as opposed to the earlier dub and no-wave sounds.
Burning Bridges
Chromatics Lyrics
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On the cold, cold ground
And you've walked to the edge of this town
When you've burned all your bridges
And vanished in the mist
When the road is long
And your heart is sick
It's time to turn it around
You've been a fool again
Don't run away again
'Cause I'm a fool for you
'Cause I'm a fool for you
You've been a fool again
Don't run away again
'Cause I'm a fool for you
'Cause I'm a fool for you
The lyrics of Chromatics' song "Burning Bridges" convey a sense of emotional turmoil and self-reflection. In the first verse, the image of tears falling on the cold ground suggests a feeling of desolation and sadness. The singer of the song finds themselves at a breaking point, having reached the edge of their current situation or environment. The idea of burning bridges symbolizes severing connections and leaving behind a past that no longer serves them. Vanishing into the mist implies a desire to escape and start anew.
The second verse continues to paint a picture of a difficult journey ahead. The road being long represents the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead for the singer. Their heart being sick indicates emotional pain and uncertainty about the choices they have made. The lyrics convey a recognition that it is time for a change, a turning point. The repetition of "It's time to burn it down, It's time to turn it around" emphasizes the need for a radical transformation in their life.
The following lines highlight the singer's self-awareness of repeating past mistakes. They admit to being a fool and running away multiple times. Despite these patterns, there is an underlying sense of devotion or attachment present. The repetition of "Cause I'm a fool for you" suggests a deep emotional connection they have with someone, possibly a romantic partner. It could imply that despite their own flaws and repeated mistakes, they are willing to continue pursuing this person because of the strong emotions they feel.
In summary, "Burning Bridges" explores themes of self-reflection, emotional upheaval, and the need for change. The lyrics capture a moment of realization that the current path has led to burning bridges and a sense of being lost. It encourages a radical turn in one's life and acknowledges the repeated mistakes made in the past. Despite this, a deep sense of emotional attachment remains, causing the singer to be a fool and continue pursuing someone despite their own flaws.
Line by Line Meaning
When your tears fall down
When you are overwhelmed with sadness and your emotions overflow
On the cold, cold ground
On the harsh and unforgiving reality of life
And you've walked to the edge of this town
And you have reached the point where you feel you can no longer stay in this place
When you've burned all your bridges
When you have severed all ties and destroyed all chances of going back
And vanished in the mist
And disappeared into an unclear and uncertain future
When the road is long
When the journey ahead seems daunting and never-ending
And your heart is sick
And your emotions and spirit are deeply troubled and unwell
It's time to burn it down
It is time to let go and release yourself from the burdens and attachments
It's time to turn it around
It is time to change the direction and course of your life
You've been a fool again
You have made the same mistakes and acted foolishly once more
Don't run away again
Do not escape or avoid facing the consequences of your actions
'Cause I'm a fool for you
Because I am willing to make foolish choices and sacrifices for your sake
'Cause I'm a fool for you
Because my love for you makes me blind and willing to overlook logic and reason
Lyrics © ITALIANS DO IT BETTER INTERNATIONAL, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: John Padgett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind