Mark Burgess and
Yves Altana's joint effort, perhaps inevitably, struck many longtime
Chameleons fans as not up to the standards of that group, but as a thoughtful, more light-sounding rock album; however,
Paradyning is more than fine. Certainly it's at least as fine as
Zima Junction, while the more cohesive nature of the release helps it stand out more as a full album. Opening tracks "Sin" and "Always Want" were also the lead singles, alternately a forceful rocker and a slower, ruminative cut, but there's more to
Paradyning than just those. One of its strongest cuts comes right after them -- "Adrian Be," a lovely tribute to fellow U.K. musician and cult hero
Adrian Borland, who like
Burgess led an underrated '80s guitar band,
the Sound. A combination of acoustic strumming and various electric guitar lines sweep around the mix, with only a bass for rhythm, all partially courtesy of guest musicians/co-writers Harry Horse and Neil Dwerryhouse, while
Burgess' line "I know how
Borland feels" is delivered with a perfect serenity and emotion. After that
Paradyning unfolds between other high points and songs that, if slightly less compelling, are still pleasant listens. "You Opened My Mind (Then the Acid Kicked In)," besides having a flat-out brilliant title, has a good punch to it, understated but there, helped by a rolling drum line, strong backing vocals, and sharp guitar work from
Altana. "Money Won't Save Your Soul" has a particularly fine arrangement, with
Altana's main guitar line sneaking up and down subtly while soft percussion and strumming support
Burgess' tender singing, alternating with more sweeping performances on drums and keyboards. What live drumming there is comes from
Chameleons/
the Sun and the Moon/
Sons of God drummer
John Lever, providing a nice connection to the past.