Much has been made of the lowly demonstration tape over the past few years. A perennial underground staple and more or less sole argument for the continued existence of cassette tapes (seriously, worst format), a band’s initial foray into studio sorcery is generally a pretty slapdash affair, recorded live in their practice space and handed out to buddies and disinterested label suits in unequal measure. At least, that’s how it used to be. Now, though, we’ve got labels releasing demos on vinyl, collectors clamouring for a baby band’s first squalls, and lists like this one popping up for the second year running. Cheers to Ross and American Aftermath for giving me the chance to rant and ramble about a few of 2012’s most welcome new additions.  In no particular order, here are ten of the best demos I was fortunate enough to stumble across, have shoved into my back pocket, or otherwise encounter.     Continue reading »