Epileptic Brain Surgeons – 1988 Craniotomy LP

EBS were spawned in a basement in Ontario in the mid 1980s and recorded a 10 song demo in 1989 that was pure DIY and became an instant local classic. EBS live shows were full of high energy and fun and their crossover style was a mix of thrash and hardcore topped off with the comical lyrical matter that could bring a smile to the face of the meanest of metalheads: totally juvenile, tongue-in-cheek, obnoxious humour and all in the name of pure fun. EBS kept ripping up clubs and parties they caught the attention of Epidemic Records and went back into the studio to record a full length S/T cassette that was a bit more polished than their first demo and sold like hot cakes around the scene.

The Epileptics started tearing up skate parks, pizzerias and local clubs in support of their new release and the exposure quickly led to bigger venues and opening for the likes of The Dayglo Abortions. In the early 90s, vocalist Steve Waller decided to move to the West Coast and the Surgeons’ days came to a close.  Many of them went onto other musical ventures over the years and to this day they all still keep in contact with each other and they are all doing well aside from bass player Mike Chapman who took his own life in 2007 (and who this record is dedicated to).

Epileptic Brain Surgeons were early pioneers of the hardcore scene in Brampton and they inspired a plethora of bands from the area for years to come. 

This album contains some re-recordings of early songs and 3 brand new songs written when the band briefly reformed in 2011 and also features an updated version of their comical ecological folk sonnet “Trees and Flowers” where they switch out George Bush for Barack Obama / Bin Laden and while still keeping the humours element (presented this time around in a “quasi-world music” style) drill home the fact that thing’s hadn’t changed…

FFO: Attitude Adjustment, Gang Green, Dead Kennedys, Poison Idea, Anthrax, S.O.D., Overkill, Municipal Waste
(NFT/ 2024)

Tracklist:
A1 2 N Chance
A2 Frogs
A3 Put It In
A4 Toothpaste Dilemma
A5 Ronnie
A6 Environmental Ditty
A7 Dtrcim
A8 Puberty
B1 Trees And Flowers
B2 Yeamans
B3 Dan Nanal Lana Laa
B4 3 White Marshmallows
B5 Waffels
B6 Usin Grandma Fer Dip
B7 Gun
B8 Soap