Search - Surgin :: Tokyo Rose

The Bon Jovi Connection

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 09/27/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Surgin is probably most noteworthy for its Bon Jovi connection. Guitarist/songwriter Jack Ponti was in an early band with Jon Bon Jovi (back when he was Jon Bongiovi), and they co-wrote the song Shot Through the Heart, which appears on Surgin's debut album as well as Bon Jovi's self-titled debut.



In addition to Jack Ponti, who would go on to some success behind the scenes with Babylon AD and Baton Rouge, Surgin features Russell Arcara (Prophet) on vocals. The band released one album - 1985's When Midnight Comes - but apparently left behind a treasure trove of unreleased material that is now seeing the light of day.



The 2003 release Tokyo Rose features 10 previously unreleased Surgin tracks. They are all very much in the melodic rock/pop-metal style as the songs on When Midnight Comes, but according to Jack Ponti's liner notes they are closer to what the band's sound would have been if not for record company interference. Personally I don't see that much difference, but I am glad that he was able to get these tracks released. They've been remastered to some extent, but they still retain that demo quality sound.



When Midnight Comes is definitely a more polished album, and is (in my opinion) more enjoyable. Still, the songs on Tokyo Rose should please Surgin fans."