SURGEON makes the cut.

Growing up, I was the biggest fan of 90’s alternative rock. Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and The Pixies were some of my favorite bands. These three bands all have a common bond; recordings by Steve Albini. Steve Albini has a reputation of being a rogue in the dirty business of slinging sound. He records raw records, at reasonable rates, and takes little credit for what he does. Surgeon’s album “Angry Guest” was fortunate enough to be given the Albini treatment.

I was very excited to have the opportunity to review an album produced by Albini. Now I’m just excited to listen to Surgeon. Lets get it out of the way, the album sounds great. It is a bare bones recording that is supported by what the performers are doing, not by the guy who is moving the sliders. The vocals are strong, drums hold back, and the guitars push the song. The band sounds really tight, especially the relationship between the two guitars. They remind me of two snakes dancing to the tune of a charmer; their parts are tight as well as hypnotic. I’m very excited about how much these guys sound like they love doing this. The product screams blood, sweat, and tears.

Back in the day when I was still playing in a band, I played a show with Surgeon. They were really cool people, but I didn’t take notice of the dynamics of what they were doing. This band has soul; every song is rhythmically interesting and danceable. The bounce to the tracks is very unique, and they do a great job of blending genres to create a sound you’re familiar with but have never heard before. In my opinion, the band is searching territory that they themselves do not yet fully understand. I correlate “Angry Guest” to Tool’s first EP “Opiate”. I don’t mean to say the bands are trying to achieve a similar sound, I mean that surgeon has a lot of growing to do and that they seem to have a desire to create a grandiose recording of epic proportions. Hopefully they will continue down the path they are currently traveling.

I recommend “Pull”, “Papa Reigns”, and “Walking Fire”

myspace.com/surgeonband

About Matt Brigidi

Matt is studying Music History at Temple University. He loves his guitar just as much as he loves his Flyers.