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, Rovi