Brain Surgeons
at The Middle East Cafe
by Rich Romaine
Why a band fronted by guitarist Albert Bouchard (formerly of Blue Oyster Cult), and singer Deborah Frost (a rock writer for various respectable magazines and Bouchard’s wife, incidentally) is opening at the Middle East Upstairs is beyond me. Brain Surgeons may not have the mainstream radio irritating listeners by playing them hourly, but they’ve gotten complimentary reviews, and the upstairs room was surprisingly crowded for 9 pm on a Tuesday night.
Brain Surgeons doesn’t rely on larger-than-life personas to win over a crowd – they do it with muscle. They brought their classic rock knowledge to the bar room and got gritty in true indie rock style. As rock veterans, they’re older, act professionally, and don’t need an ego-boosting banter to pull off a tight, jamming show. Frost’s voice ranges from a sweet quiver to a throaty screech, depending on whether Bouchard’s guitar work is crisp and intricate or blasting power chords.
Stomping around and joking with the audience, Brain Surgeon put on a cozy rock jam, not a MTV sneaker endorsement. The highlights of the evening were the last song, a “cover” of BOC’s “Red and Black” that showed they remember their punky influences, and “I Play the Drums.” Unlike the cutesy CD version, this sucker raged like an infuriated monster in a classic horror movie. The concept alone is ballsy, but the sneering style with which they pulled it off made it unforgettable. Based on “Wipe Out,” but with dramatic riffs and rolls added whenever possible, it leads to one conclusion – they rock.
