Fallout 
Demian (US,1971,re.2008)***°
Before Demian, this Texan band had already a former history as Bubble Puppy. They had a hit in 1969, called "Hot Smoke & Sassafras” followed by a full album, but because of numerous conflicts with the label (Int.Artists), they finally moved to LA and were forced to change name before being able to release a new album (on Steppenwolf's label ABC-Dunhil). This new album despite all their former success didn’t had many sales so after a while they had to quit. Even when knowing the existence of Bubble Puppy’s LP, I can’t remember having heard the album, so I can only judge on what I hear on this album.
I recognise that the group has strong vocal leads and also attractive harmony vocal arrangements, and a good heavy rock drive with a bluesy bass. “Face the crowd” showed some thoughtful tempo changes. They were also capable of performing good electric guitar duets which come in not too often although they’re very good. The drumming is fitting or good enough (especially attractive on “Todd’s Tune”), it’s always mixed also as just fitting on the background, but then if you consider the potential of the band this drumming is also a rather soft part, basically rock driven, never heavy or complex. The album could have used a second additional drummer to take out some aspects and drives of some songs better. It sometimes takes time before showing their attractive heavy side: they more often keep it relaxed for a longer time before showing more. The third track also suddenly calms the energy down to this acoustic guitar led track, “Low People” elements that do not immediately show and reveal all they got, when considering how people might not have noticed the potential of this album and band, enough, at that time.
Note that in 1977 Prince and Potter teamed under the name Sirius, recruiting bassist George Rarey and drummer Mark Evans to record ‘Sirius Rising’ in 1979. The original line-up of Bubble Puppy reunited one more time in 1987, recording also one other album.
PS. Bubblepuppy’s reissue is still available (I saw copies from the labels Sunspots, Get Back & Fuel 2000).
