Surgeon – Surgeon EP

I have the original on downwards and had always thought that was a great sounding record. Then I bought this by accident thinking it was something else and was surprised how good this remaster / pressing sounds too. The music itself, of course, is classic material, absolutely banging!

I actually went through three different versions of this record I got sitting on the shelf. This is an old school favorite, so before getting all sensitive about the sound, make sure you're really getting a playable version that is worth the investment. Most of the copies floating around are 25 years old and have been played persistently as some of Tony's career calling cards are on here (Magneze and Atol).

That said, the early Downwards releases are more or less devoid of any post production treatment, skillful engineering touches and mastering interventions that make you stand in awe. The sound is dry, brash and loud. In essence, and with time's assistance, the perennial weapons the label's output has. There is a reason why people are still going nuts about some of the early Downwards catalog, despite it being quite old now. Because it's pure, loud, raw and stubborn. Not delicate and tonally tweaked to ear lobe heaven. Quite loud too. That said, the above does not make it good. This loudness and ballsy approach worked like a charm at the time. They still do.

But a fresh-er ear, and I don't mean this is as an offence, frequently notices a lack of low end response on these techno classics some of us love so much. Although that is relative as well. Not enough, too much, too loud, no clarity. Compared to what exactly?
Personally, when I am in the mood for this EP, then it's the SRX reissue that has the honors. The older ones are, man, soooo played it's crazy.
On the other hand, this along with the remainder of the SRX reissue catalog, is a perfect example of how much fresh life can a skilled and focused engineer breathe into material that is 2 decades old.
The old Downwards records have this trademark dry and direct sound platform. It's not really a matter of good or bad. It's really more a question of is your ear accustomed to it and for what purpose would your be getting the record.

Sound wise, the greatest - relativity issue again - advantage of the early pressings compared to the SRX reissue is the fact that they were cut to play at 45RPM. Should that be a concern? No. Magneze gonna sound like Magneze I don't care if you consume chicken mcnuggets and Diet Coke with it.
If you are going for the nineties pressing, just make sure it's from a reliable buyer, as this EP was the hot pancake on everyone's plate for a very, very long time.

Can someone comment on the quality of the repress? Thanks!

Best surgeon EP released ! 4 brilliant masterpieces !! Atol is one of the best..

The track Atol is a real banger! This is definitely my favorite track and has stood the test of time. I put this track on and the place begins to move. It hits now like it was when it was released. Great track!

Magneze rocked the Orbit in Morley every single week ! Serious techno business.

4 huge tracks. Timeless. I played Atol so often in the TRESOR (Leipziger Str.) .

One of best Surgeon EP released in my point of view!

the front cover says 45rpm but im pretty sure both sides play at 33rpm. doesn't bother me, all the tracks sound great. cant wait for the other 5 to come.

this is THE ultimate techno release!! timeless work from Surgeon.