Surgeon
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | SELF
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Surgeon is a St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada based group of post-rock phoenixes that rose from the ashes of a previous instrumental rock project called Narrows in 2008. After adopting a darker, heavier, and structural vibe to their music, these practitioners of prog, led by leftover Narrows members Steve Cowan and Andrew Wicks, went full speed ahead into another realm of instrumental rock and came up with their debut self titled EP that we bring you today.
Unlike many other post-rock and math-rock outfits, Surgeon are careful to avoid weaving compositions that are under developed or overly complicated; instead, the band combines moody multi-layered melodies, waves of intricate guitar work, and a rousing rhythm section that seamlessly flow through multiple genres while still offering audiences music that's easy to digest. Instrumental rock is a still a niche genre, but Surgeon is one of those bands that could entice a new brand of listener because they understand how not to alienate the average joe while keeping the attention of listeners that are searching for a musical mind fuck.
On their six track EP, Surgeon first lures you in with the aptly titled intro, "Spectrum", where they begin with a sequence of pulsating hard rock riffs that eventually splash onto a shore of trickling guitars and dreamy percussion before looping back into a nightmare of metal. "Octomom" opposes the intro as slow tentacles full of ethereal electronic noise, hypnotic bass and drums, and layers of guitars and eastern woodwinds slowly swirl in circles before the song breaks off into a fast and hopeful swim. The band then shows their various talents with the meat and potatoes of the album-- "Silverfish", "Doso", and "Solar"-- where Surgeon's song composing, expert musicianship, and knack of playing within the heart beat of instrumental rock's cardiovascular system surges through each epic twist. The grand finale, "Rat King", is exactly that, culminating everything the band did throughout the EP in one last dramatic song fit for everyone's end.
The music on this EP is almost two years old, so it will be interesting to see where the band goes next with their music. For now, this emerging Canadian outfit is looking to leave their Newfoundland shores to explore the world and are hoping that this EP gives them the wings to do so.
- Bandsoup
Absolutely brilliant guitar work here. The right combination of Intricacy and technicality, the band does a fantastic job on their epic build ups. They have a very distinct sound and vibe and this is simply a monster EP that could pass for an album. Every song just keeps getting better than the last! I’ve read that the songs on this EP are a couple years old so I really can’t wait to see where the band goes from here! 3/3/12 - Post Rock Star
Discography
Surgeon EP (2012)
Fjords (2012)
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Bio
Surgeon are an instrumental prog-rock quartet from St. John's, Newfoundland. Combining intricate guitar wizardry with the rock solid rhythm section of indie superstars "Hey Rosetta!", Surgeon will take the listener through moody, multi-layered soundworlds that are often heavy and always fun.
The group self-released two albums in 2012, both receiving rave reviews amongst online post-rock/prog-rock communities and blogs. Their debut recording, the self-titled "Surgeon EP", was shortlisted for the 2012 Atlantis Music Prize. They have sold hundreds of both albums through internet hype alone, as they've yet to perform outside of St. John's.
Musical influences include modern groups like Battles and Tortoise, as well as more guitar-driven prog pioneers of the past such as King Crimson. Surgeon have been praised for creating songs that seamlessly flow through multiple genres while still offering audiences music that's easy to digest. While highly technical and virtuosic in its execution, the music is completely danceable and always melodic.
For now, this emerging Canadian outfit is looking to leave their Newfoundland shores to explore the world and are hoping that these new recordings give them the wings to do so.
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