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.
Candy
Chromatics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please don't let them in your heart
Because they'll try to put out every fire you start
Candy
You can light the match again
And as they try to run and hide
We'll burn down everything in sight
Oh, candy
Your touch is like a veil over my eyes
And when we're driving in your car
I could be anyone tonight
Oh, candy
Please don't let them in your heart
Because they'll try to steal that flame from in your eyes
Oh, candy
Oh, candy
The lyrics of the song "Candy" by the American electronic band Chromatics carry a message of hope and encouragement to the person addressed as Candy. The song urges them not to let anyone extinguish the flame in their heart and to keep pursuing their passions with renewed vigor. The lyrics warn of the people who try to dampen the spark of inspiration and creativity, but also empower the listener to continue dreaming big and not be deterred by such obstacles. The metaphor of fire as a representation of passion and creativity is prominent in the song, and it emphasizes the importance of not allowing anyone to kill that fire.
The lyrics also describe the relationship between Candy and the singer, which presumably is a romantic one. The touch of Candy is likened to a veil over the singer's eyes, suggesting a transformative effect on their perception of the world. The car ride they take together is described as a journey of self-discovery, where the singer feels liberated from the constraints of their identity and can be anyone they desire. The mention of Candy evokes a sense of sweetness and indulgence, which adds to the romantic and liberating tone of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Candy
Addressing someone or something named 'Candy.'
Please don't let them in your heart
Warning against letting negative people or influences affect one's emotions or passions.
Because they'll try to put out every fire you start
Explaining that those negative influences will seek to stifle one's creative or passionate pursuits.
You can light the match again
Encouragement to reignite one's passion or creativity despite any setbacks.
And as they try to run and hide
As the negative influences try to avoid the consequences of their actions or attitudes.
We'll burn down everything in sight
Metaphorically expressing the idea that one's passion can be so strong that it overcomes all obstacles in its way.
Your touch is like a veil over my eyes
Describing the feeling of being enveloped or enchanted by someone or something, to the point where one's view of the world becomes skewed.
And when we're driving in your car
A specific scenario which reinforces the idea of being under someone or something's spell.
I could be anyone tonight
Further emphasizing the loss of self or identity that can occur when under the influence of someone or something else.
Because they'll try to steal that flame from in your eyes
Reiterating the warning against negative influences and their potential to snuff out one's creativity and passion.
Oh, candy
Repeating the earlier address to 'Candy,' potentially to further emphasize the central themes of the song.
Oh, candy
Repeating the earlier address to 'Candy,' potentially to further emphasize the central themes of the song.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: MELBOURNE MILLER, DONALD DENNIS, LOWELL DUNBAR, ROBERT LYN, ROBERT SHAKESPEARE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ok, this is epic
Candy
Please don't let them in your heart
Because they'll try to put out every fire you start
Candy
You can light the match again
And as they try to run and hide
We'll burn down everything in sight
Oh, candy
Your touch is like a veil over my eyes
And when we're driving in your car
I could be anyone tonight
Oh, candy
Please don't let them in your heart
Because they'll try to steal that flame from in your eyes
Oh, candy
Oh, candy
-This song is so good
Skypad00
I love that they make a type of music that we’ve all heard but can never pin down. They evoke emotions and atmospheres we’ve all felt but can never fully define. This is the demonstration of a true artist, able to manifest specific emotions, themes and vibes.
donnyboy88
I can't express how pumped i am to see chromatics at Primavera Sound this year.
Jason Stevens
I'VE BEEN A CHROMATICS FAN FOR LIKE A YEAR NOW, HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD THIS BEAUTIFUL SONG
Candy Theory
This is my favorite song of all times, I just keep listening and keep coming back for more. The best inspiration ever! :3
myprsnlaccnt
Hypnotic, and spellbinding.. love it!
Corey Crossman
I think this is my favorite chromatics song so far
InsomStudios
This is the best thing I have heard from you guys in years. Thank you!
Len Sin
Love them so much.
cookumms
wow, that muted guitar hits the spot. that is one of my all time favorite sounds.
Hunt Cherry
Il faut avoir le cœur à la fête pour écouté Chromatics !