Rough Edge: Brain Surgeons NYC CD Reviews

BRAIN SURGEONS NYC

"Denial of Death" (Cellsum Records; 2006)

A friend gave me this CD a couple of years ago thinking I would be interested because Albert Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult was involved. I gave it a quick spin and, for whatever reason, quickly dismissed it as "just okay." Thankfully, we have a policy here at Rough Edge to review everything we receive so, just recently, I picked up my copy of "Denial of Death" and gave it another listen.

I honestly don't know what I was thinking two years ago. This CD is much better than "just okay."

Starting off with "Rocket Science," "Denial of Death" delivers twelve hard rocking tracks that have the classic rock power of bands like the aforementioned Blue Oyster Cult. The CD is heavy with guitar power -- both in chugging rhythms and fiery leads -- but it isn't all about kicking your ass as track number three, "Strange Like Me," quickly proves. With its almost Latin-sounding guitars and soothing vocals, "Strange Like Me" gives the listener an idea of the variety to be found elsewhere on the CD and there's plenty to be found. "Variety" is a word that can scare off some listeners, probably those who got sick and tired of power ballads ruining otherwise excellent hard rock albums. But variety is a good thing here, with the band never venturing into saccharine territory musically as well as lyrically.

"Denial of Death" is recommended for any fan of classic hard rock and, in this case, especially classic hard rock that doesn't sound dated. The individual band members may have made their names elsewhere (i.e., Blue Oyster Cult, The Dictators, Manowar, etc.) but together here they've created something entirely news and just as strong.

Brain Surgeons NYC: Albert Bouchard - drums, vocals; Deborah Frost - guitar, vocals; David Hirschberg - bass, vocals; Ross the Boss - guitar, vocals.

For more information, check out http://www.brainsurgeonsnyc.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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