Kicks and Diabolik Licks – Brian James (Easy Action)
As his last will and testament, “Kicks and Diabolik Licks” is Brian James as most fans of The Damned have never heard him.
It’s rock and roll, mostly, stripped right back in places with a dollop of jazz, and most of it is a few steps removed from the punk rock foundation that he helped build and the dark storm that was The Lords of The New Church.
Brian James passed in March 2025 after protracted health issues. Not before he’d re-joined Captain Sensible, Dave Vanian and Rat Scabies for Damned shows and a one-off with a reconstituted Lords with Michael Monroe subbing for the long departed Stiv Bators.
“Kicks and Diabolik Licks” has been released to coincide with The Damned’s 50th Anniversary year and 49 years since the release of their classic debut, “Damned Damned Damned”.
Just seven tracks, “Kicks and Diabolik Licks” has a loose feel and sounds a little underdone. It was clearly a work-in-progress, so it is what it is.
James was joined by bassist Austen Gayton, drummers Malcolm Mortimore, Dave "Caveman" O’Brien and Steve Murray. Former Modettes singer Ramona Wilkins Carlier chiops in with a lead vocal. Dirty Strangers frontman Alan Clayton contributed backing vocals.
“In The Blood” opens the album and lyrically references the man’s relationship with music. It’s the best cut. The improvised “Soho” plods a little before breaking down into a jam. Withering guitar in the second half lifts it several levels. Hearing Brian James cut loose is good for the soul.
Wilkins Carlier takes lead vocal on “Dance With Me”, one of the best-known Lords songs. Languid piano and rim taps punctuate a bare bones build before sheets of guitar kick in. It’s a powerful number that hangs in the air, just like its final note.
It's four-and-a-half minutes of percussive interplay and tinkling keys. The distinctive feel puts a world of distance between it and “New Rose” – which is exactly the point.
“Happy Families” indulges James’ love for free jazz and all things Mingus and Coltrane.
“Giallo Yellow” references an Italian genre of horror flick and creeps along like an axe killer before abruptly morphing into a flurried riff fest. Straight-up rocker “So Sad Sonny” features a searing six-stringed attack.
Brian was no choirboy – you’ll know if you’ve heard his solo work or Mad For The Racket, his project with the late Wayne Kramer and bassist Mani (also resting in peace.) If you’re here for “Britain’s Got Talent” you have a problem.
Caustic tone and malevolent guitar lines are present, but it’s a farewell for the fans rather than an entry point for newbies. It's on CD or LP.
1/4
