Full performer name: David Vanian & The Phantom Chords.
Those expecting New Rose-esque punk from Dave Vanian on his first-ever solo album, 1995's Dave Vanian and the Phantom Chords, will be in for a bit of a stylistic surprise. Picture Dracula or Glenn Danzig fronting a rockabilly/rock & roll band, and you wouldn't be far off from the sounds that abound, especially on such selections as "Screamin' Kid," "Swamp Thing," and "This House Is Haunted." Elsewhere, however, "Fever in My Blood" sounds like an early tune by the Cult, while "Whiskey and Me" approximates vintage Johnny Cash. Dave Vanian and the Phantom Chords shows the renowned Damned singer taking some chances and departures throughout. ~ Greg Prato
