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.
The Gemini
Chromatics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A puzzle becomes clear
Two pairs of eyes
Watching me
Watching you
Fade away
Watching me
Watching you
We try to see beyond the mirror
Through a crystal curtain
Beyond our shattered dreams
Reflecting in the water
A puzzle becomes clear
Are we still married?
Chasing me
Chasing you
Who are you?
A pair of eyes?
Or are you gemini?
The lyrics of Chromatics's song, The Gemini, delve into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges that come with trying to understand and connect with others. The opening lines of "Reflecting in the water, a puzzle becomes clear" suggest a moment of clarity, where the singer is finally able to understand something that was once confusing or ambiguous. The imagery of the mirror and the crystal curtain suggest barriers to understanding - we are trying to see beyond what is right in front of us and understand the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the relationship between two people, possibly a married couple. The repeated refrain of "Watching me, watching you, fade away" suggests a sense of loss or disconnection. The lines "Chasing me, chasing you, who are you? / A pair of eyes? / Or are you Gemini?" highlight the idea that we are all complex and multifaceted individuals, and that it can be difficult to truly know and understand someone else.
Overall, The Gemini is a poignant and introspective exploration of human connection and the challenges that come with trying to understand ourselves and others. Through its evocative lyrics and dreamy synth-pop sound, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and experiences of intimacy and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Reflecting in the water
Looking at my reflection in the water
A puzzle becomes clear
I begin to understand something
Two pairs of eyes
There are two people watching me
Watching me
They are observing my actions
Watching you
I am observing your actions
Fade away
The people watching disappear
Watching me
Someone else is observing me
Watching you
I am observing someone else
Fade away
The other person disappears
We try to see beyond the mirror
We attempt to look below the surface
Through a crystal curtain
It is difficult to see clearly
Beyond our shattered dreams
Looking past our failures and disappointments
Are we still married?
Are we still committed to each other?
Chasing me
You are following me
Chasing you
I am following you
Who are you?
I do not recognize you
A pair of eyes?
Is that all that defines you?
Or are you gemini?
Are you two-faced or changeable?
Contributed by Julia L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@AcP1999
Reflecting in the water...a puzzle becomes clear. This song makes me travel in my memory.
@mariobertrand6305
That such a great photo! Johnny Jewel is such a unique composer. He has become one of my biggest inspirations to write music that sounds and feels deep with an electronic overtone.
@GT-lv7hq
He is awesome,otherworldly...amazing as always
@Corn8lius
This one touched my soul. Love you Chromatics. I hope to see you one day live in France !
@jerome.a3220
Perfect Introspection sound. Thx to Come in my life Chromatics. You have changed my life, my own vision. Thx
@ItaliansDoItBetterMusic
thank you for listening. xoxo
@alienreggaeradio
The first zelda game ever was released on my birthday. Spooky and ethereal work.
@jacquelinexanne1776
I think this is my favourite Chromatics song, maybe it’s because I’m a Gemini. Beautiful track ❤️
@ItaliansDoItBetterMusic
so good! johnny is a gemini too
@lyingcat1202
Yay! Another well deserved one!