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Demo Universe

by Jim Santo
(Page 2)

India

From Bombay comes Kalki, a duo (Neil Bhatia and Lloyd Casper) who bring together West and East in seamless fashion. Two songs on this tape: "Born Free," a soaring pop tune with a shuffling groove, jazzy Indian flute and sitar-like guitars; and "Save The World", a dance number with an obvious lyric that's redeemed by sweeping vocal melissmas and a cool tabla/sitar breakdown (Kalki, 22, Shreeji Darshan Apts., 2nd Flr., S.V. Rd., Kandivli (W), Bombay-67, India)

"Born Free"
Long (312K/ au)
Short (126K/ au)

Japan

Headbangers rejoice! Sunrise Sunset, the latest offering from Nagoya's Zone Of Control, will bludgeon you senseless with its thundering brand of hard-core. Bassist Hisaski Takada is a self-styled ambassador of Nagoya rock; if you write, ask him to send tapes of Rah Rah Bootleg, Amplifier 108, Stone Edge and Choker's Queen (Hisashi Takada, Nakataen 402, 10-6 Nakata 2 Chome, Chikusaku, Nagoya 464 Japan).

"Take Back Myself"
Long (320K/ au)
Short (120K/ au)

Canada

Here's a strange one. Al Barrett, resident of a small town in rural Quebec, self-produced and played all the instruments on Zoophagia. According to Barrett, Zoophagia "is about the 'Reinfeld syndrome' (the name of the character in Dracula) which is something about people eating animal's blood..." Whatever it's about, this 14-song cassette is a mind-bending trip that you'll NEVER hear on the radio. (Al Barrett, C.P.211, Cap-de-la-Madeleine, P.Q. G8T-7W2 Canada)

"Monday To Sunday"
Long (320K/ au)
Short (125K/ au)

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Taiwan

David Zax, also known as E.F.E., has sent me several tapes during the past year. The latest, Mexican On A Bike, continues Zax' relentless assault on the fat, powerful and self-satisfied. Backed by a sizzling drum machine and spiny electric guitar, he lashes his targets with harsh, sneering vocals (David Zax, PO Box 8-198, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China).

Hopefully this brief taste will get you hooked on the joys of self-released music. If you're ready to take the plunge, start by writing to the addresses above. Then hop on over to Jim Santo's Demo Universe, where you'll find hundreds of underground gems waiting to be discovered.