POP MUSIC REVIEW : Damned Keeps Energy Level High

Even though the Damned has not come up with an LP of new material for a while (its last release on MCA was a “greatest hits” compilation), this doom-punk band still inspires frenzied adoration from its large cult of fans, even after 12 years of existence and mutation.

During its Thursday night show at the John Anson Ford Theatre--the first of a three-night stint that ends tonight--the jam-packed audience went wild. Bodies rocked, slammed and flew as the English quartet tore through a 90-minute show, much of it older material.

While keeping the energy high with a fast-paced hit like “Smash It Up” or an MC5 cover, this mercurial bunch can also pull back, diving into the melodic, mysterious “Shadow of Love” or digressing into ‘60s psychedelia like “You Must Be a Witch” with equal enthusiasm. This current incarnation of the Damned is stripped down--no huge backdrops or special effects--and singer Dave Vanian has dropped his Gothic image of a couple years back in favor of a slick pompadour and leather jacket. Perhaps this changeability has kept the Damned from achieving bigger success, but it’s that same quality that keeps the band interesting.

Sham 69, however, has changed for the worst. This once high-voltage punk group has become English techno-pop. A sham, indeed.

The Damned will play Fender’s in Long Beach on Friday.