SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE DAMNED – DARKADELIC

The Damned
Darkadelic
earMUSIC

It is hard to believe that The Damned’s debut album, the classic Damned Damned Damned was released 46 years ago and here I am reviewing their new album! Remember, they also have rights to the claim they released the first ever punk single, “New Rose”. This is a band that not only has a history but made history. This is also a band that started in punk but morphed and grew into experimenting with sound and vision.

Darkadelic  continues the band’s love of goth image and classic horror films, and there is nothing wrong with that. Musically, however, it is much more complex. Here The Damned show off their musical ability and their openness to very different styles. Sure, there are tinges of the old punk days, but The Damned are not stuck in 1976. This album is more straight rock ‘n’ roll with influences from 1960’s psychedelic rock. It demonstrates The Damned’s ability to incorporate a lof of sounds/influences.

The Damned also always knew a good melody when then wrote one. “You’re Gonna Realise” is a case in point. This is a brilliant song with a strong melody that invites the listener into their world. Elsewhere, a rocker like “Motorcyle Man” is still hook-laden and a wonderful summer song, but most importantly it is one of those songs that The Damned seem to do with such ease. It is a rocker, with that hint of punk, which is somewhat nostalgic and yet part of here today.

David Vanian’s voice is as strong as ever and he uses his reserve of styles effectively throughout. He reaches deep with some of his vocals (listen to the opening track, “The Inivsible Man”) and he has the opportunity to utilize his strengths when needed. He is also backed by some top notch musicianship, especially Captain Sensible who provides ispiring solos. Listen to “Follow Me” with a tasteful guitar opening up the song. But elsewhere, the Captain rocks out with the best of them.

Overall, Darkadelic is a brilliant rock album, full of great songs. It shows that The Damned just keep getting better and in many ways demonstrates their respect for the music, both theirs and others, that came before them. Darkadelic is inspiring in terms of music and the ability for a band to continue to grow and explore.

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