Demo (1982)

This two-song demo, which some collectors assign a 1983 release date instead of 1984, has a different feel than their seminal single from 1982. ‘Rescue Me’ is a more commercial number; it’s still metal, but it’s very catchy and could have been meant for airplay. It’s similar to some of the catchier numbers on Smokin’ Roadie’s demo. Meanwhile, ‘Light it Up’ is a slower, bluesy number that picks up the pace towards the end so as to go out with more of a bang. While both songs are decent, I don’t think they’re in the same league as ‘Running Blind’ or ‘My, My, My’; the different styles on display here just don’t appeal to me as much as the straight-up, melodic NWOBHM featured on their single. Also, the vocals on these songs are not as good. To my knowledge the band did not change singers in-between these two releases, but the vocals on this demo are rather plain; they lack the slightly breathy nature of the vocals as heard on the single. Perhaps there was some studio wizardry employed for the single that wasn’t available for a mere demo recording? Regardless, the bottom line is that both these songs are decent on their own merit, but don’t expect material in the same vein as their single.