The Demonics: R.I.P. STP 45

Man's Ruin Records

Image isn't everything. Sooner or later you have to match the swagger with some substance—just ask Fiat, Brian Bosworth, or Milli Vanilli. Therefore, we approach this Demonics 45 with caution. Sure, it's got a Day-Glo monster, smokin' flames, and a checkered flag. Sure, it's pressed on translucent yellow vinyl with the record label's evil feline logo painted on the A-side and a picture of Old Scratch himself on the flip. Okay, the packaging is grand—what about the music?

Fear not, because Pacifica, California's Demonics do roar. All three tunes here trip the line with blazing rockabilly guitars, double-speed 2/4 beats, and singer/guitarist/gearhead Russell Wright's obsession with fast—both cars and women. The title track is an oddly upbeat homage to Swede Savage (who fatally crashed at the 1973 Indy 500) that shows off the band's ability to craft addictive melodies—then bury ‘em in a morass of wailing IndyCar engine-noise samples. Certain surf bands used to do this in the ‘60s too to capitalize on the rodding craze, but Wright's no poseur. He built his own Super Bee, after all, and drags it at Sears Point.

If what you're craving is real-deal hot rod rawk in some classic packaging, check this thang out.

—John Pecorelli

Hot Rod magazine