SANTA CLAUS — Live 10/87 demo tape
SANTA CLAUS are a San Diego-based hardcore thrash band consisting of Robert Brown (bass, backing/lead vocals), Paul Massaro (drums, lead/backing vocals), and Mike Lucero (guitar). “Musically, we mix elements of hardcore punk, thrash metal, and other styles to obtain a unique and creative sound. Lyrically, we cover a wide range of topics which reflect personal issues in a serious/sarcastic manner.”
This wacky trio plays some hyper-hardcore with a moderate metal influence (though much, much less metal flavor than their first demo, “Here Comes Santa Claus”). As with all music that is this fast, it sometimes gets a little out of sync on the speedy parts, but all in all, they are rather tight, especially considering that this is a live tape. Some of their lyrics would make GG ALLIN or INTENSE MUTILATION proud. Some of the songs are a bit too fast to be enjoyable, but most of them are a lot of fun, especially “V.D.” and “Contraception.” It should be very interesting to hear their new material done in the studio. [TONY]

[Originally published: Issue #6, circa 1989]