THE DAMNED – Darkadelic

Legendary British punk rockers The Damned are still firing on all cylinders regardless of whether they are on stage or in the studio. Should you need an example of the latter, Darkadelic, which is their brand-new slab of energizing and superbly crafted rock, finds the band in rude form and as vigorous and determined as ever. Kicking things off with a proper ear-worm in the shape of ‘The Invisible Man’ and delivering such tasty treats as ‘Beware of the Clown’, ‘Motorcycle Man’, ‘Bad Weather Girl’, the haunting ‘Western Promise’, and the horror-filled masterpiece that is ‘Wake the Dead’, the four-piece are truly gelling throughout, and the spark and aura of the record are irresistible and invigorating. Memorable is one way of summing up this wonderfully timeless piece of work but we probably also ought to mention that it lacks neither dynamics nor charm. I have spun this disc endlessly these past few days and it shows absolutely no sign of losing its power or potency – quite the contrary. A stunning album that delivers on all fronts and harbors all the things that make The Damned a magnificent act. Nothing short of a musical triumph.