Dave Vanian of The Damned steps into a darker world of rockabilly, voodoo and vintage rock 'n' roll with his Phantom Chords. Originally released in 1995, this 2013 CD reissue brings together 14 tracks of atmospheric, sinister roots music inspired by the great Screamin' Jay Hawkins. From Voodoo Doll and Screamin' Kid to Big Town and This House Is Haunted, Vanian gives the material his unmistakably theatrical vocal presence.
The band features an excellent line-up, with Roman Jugg on lead guitar, Brendan Mooney on rhythm guitar, Clyde Dempsey on drums and Vanian on vocals, alongside a combination of double bass and electric bass. Vanian originals including Big Town, Tonight We Ride and Chase The Wild Wind sit alongside darkly flavoured covers such as Frenzy, Jezebel and Johnny Guitar, while Shooting Jones (Blue Eyes, Black Heart), Fever In My Blood and Swamp Thing add further voodoo atmosphere to this wonderfully unusual collection.
With 14 tracks of dark rockabilly and voodoo rock 'n' roll, Dave Vanian's Phantom Chords is a fascinating departure from The Damned and a superb showcase for Vanian's love of vintage roots music. Originally issued in 1995 and presented here as a 2013 CD reissue, this is an essential listen for fans of Vanian, rockabilly and the darker corners of the rock 'n' roll universe.
