SCREW DRIVER sahara no hitomi SCREW-1 / FASTEN-007

Let’s explore a different corner of the 1980s Japanese underground scene with this entry: the 7-inch single “Sahara no Kane” (The Sahara Bell) by the band Screw Driver. Released on May 30, 1987, this vinyl (catalog number FASTEN-007) was issued on the independent Fasten Up Records label.

This 45 RPM single showcases a sound distinct from the heavy metal often found on the label, delving into electronic, new wave, and post-punk styles. Produced by the band along with Toshiya Shibata (who also handled computer programming), the record highlights a blend of rock instrumentation with synthesizer textures.

The single features two tracks:
A: Sahara no Kane (The Sahara Bell)
B: Sakenakute, What Do We Do?

“Sahara no Kane” is often cited as a masterpiece in the history of the Sapporo independent music scene. It captures a unique blend of genres and features a lineup that included Kenji Ueda (who would later gain fame with The Pillows) on bass. This release stands as a key document of the diverse sounds emerging from Japan’s regional indie circuits.