CATS IN BOOTS demonstration 20BA-01

East Meets West: Cats In Boots’ ‘Demonstration’ Mini-Album (20 BA-01)

Let’s dive into a unique Japanese-American rock ‘n’ roll collaboration: Cats In Boots. This entry focuses on their debut Japanese mini-album, “Demonstration (East Meets West),” released on the Bronze Age label with the catalog number 20 BA-01.

Issued in May 1988, this 12-inch, 6-track mini-album marked the arrival of a band formed in the US in 1987. The group featured Japanese guitarist Takashi “Jail” Ohbashi, fresh from his departure from the legendary Seikima-II, alongside American members. This “East Meets West” lineup immediately set them apart, aiming for an authentic American hard rock sound.

“Demonstration” captures the band’s raw, energetic, hard rock ‘n’ roll style. Ohbashi’s guitar work is a highlight, unleashing aggressive riffs and thrilling solos that fully display his rock spirit, heavily influenced by American hard rock. The overall sound is gritty, groove-heavy, and packed with live energy, showcasing a band brimming with potential. Tracks like “The Girl’s Alright, Tonight,” “Judas Kiss,” “Bad Boys,” and “9 Lives (Save Me)” exemplify their powerful approach.

While perhaps rougher around the edges than their later, more polished major-label debut, this rawness is precisely the charm of “Demonstration.” It possesses an authentic LA club vibe, feeling less like a Japanese band and more like a genuine American hard rock act. This release, which never originally came with an obi but included an insert and sticker, served as a crucial introduction for the Japanese market.

20 BA-01 is a prized item for collectors, documenting the raw origins of Cats In Boots and showcasing Takashi Ohbashi’s post-Seikima-II musical direction, deeply rooted in his love for American rock ‘n’ roll.