With the New Year comes another breed of casually placed melodic electronics on this finally released 2cd compilation. Even though it may seem like almost every label has pumped out a decent compilation recently including CCO, Suction, Toytronic, Delsin, Autumn, Saundart, Merck etc., Surgery sets a new standard by focusing on a theme, rather than placing tracks in varied directions.

Tim Koch (aka Thug) began compiling tracks for what is now known as Surgery’s Initial Release back in March of 2000. Finally, after coordinating his efforts with the Surgery team of robots, and 27 tracks later, the actual product is testament to the efforts involved within.

On Disc 1, the overall theme seems to revolve around a laid back and chilled abundance of casual beats, sweeping melodies, and atmospheric ambience. Aspen opens up with his concentrated bass bumper, “My Music is in Your Mouth”, while Lackluster invites us into his warm and bubbly “11/11/99” tune. There are simply too many things to say about each track, but one in particular that stands out from the rest on Disc 1 would be Jet Jaguar’s hip-hop inspired minimalist textures of “Loss Apache”. Michael Upton (Jet Jaguar) shows a definite emphasis on style and rhythm with this tune that is sure to knock you off your recliner at 2 in the morning.

With Disc 2, a few disjointed tracks reminiscent of Atari and Commodore 64 seemingly weave there way through thoughtfully placed melodies, and waves upon waves of atmospherics (i.e.. CiM’s “Track” and ViM!’s “Jackie Batey”). However, there seems to be a quality that is manifested distinctly with headphone listening, and that is the nostalgic memories that may jump at you while absorbing this side of Initial Release. While Disc 1 focuses on a more sincere method of tranquillization, Disc 2 places you next to your Grade 3 buddy who you’d swap cards with during recess.

Tim Koch’s track selection on this Disc 2 illustrates his passion for inspired melodies and quietly orchestrated songs that entirely relax your brain cells. Tracks like Unagi Patrol’s “Party” and Jeremy Dowers “dr.DC100 and the PC Folk Ensemble - Sweet Dreams” bring the instrumental electronic appeal to the forefront while the others bend and twist in their own unique fashions. Track 1 (Disc 2) is a fully enhanced press information package available to display in all its color’s on your operating system; “..a data track and playback on a stereo system may cause damage or at least be very annoying..”. After dropping this track in the tray of your computer, you are immediately taken to a black Surgery screen where samples of various cuts from many of the artists are displayed alongside press biographies, web locations, and general information regarding the compilation. This is something you don’t normally see label’s doing, and I’m glad to see that someone finally decided to incorporate virtual visuals to promote the music. Kudos for this idea.

With the number of individuals on this compilation sharing their musical ingenuity, it won’t be a surprise to see “initial release” rated as the most peaceful ambient electronic album for 2001 --even if it’s an early call. Pick this one up folks, your PC and CD-Player will thank you.

Pietro Da Sacco

(Courtesy of Igloo Mag)