Starting with this album,
the Brain Surgeons became more of a real band. Musically, they sound better structured, although the tracks remain quite obscure and odd for the unprepared. After a few listens,
Trepanation appears a bit easier to the ear, and perhaps slightly more melodious than the previous album. Some of the most interesting tracks include "A Kiss Is a Promise," "Sally," and "Everything Is Blue." While on "Happy New Year," Albert Bouchard tries to sing like he's doing trash metal, which can be quite unsettling, really. In many ways,
the Brain Surgeons sound like an experimental band. Or maybe they're just still looking for themselves? And yet, they definitely have a sound, a very distinctive style, that could already be heard on their first album,
Eponymous. An interesting band, in any case. ~ Alex S. Garcia