| |
FM
Phasors on Stun / Slaughter in Robot Village - 7"
Passport - 1978
Mike Milner
|
FM formed in Toronto in 1976. The first version was a duo featuring Cameron Hawkins (keyboards, bass guitar and vocals) and Jeff Plewman (violin, mandolin, vocals), better known by his stage name of Nash the Slash. FM performed their own original compositions right from the start. In an appearance that year for Ontario public broadcaster TVO's Nightmusic concert series, the pair already had a unique sound, featuring layered keyboard textures and creative synthesizer melodies from Hawkins alongside Nash's ethereal violin and mandolin playing. FM even performed an early version of 'Phasors on Stun' that night, which can still be viewed in YouTube.
In early 1977 drummer Martin Deller joined the group, making it a trio. His addition provided a propulsive drive that cemented the band's sound. It was this lineup that was invited to appear on the CBC television variety show Who's New, resulting in the CBC offering to pay for an album-length recording session, from which their debut Black Noise LP was created. CBC originally released the album in limited quantities, and in 1978 it was re-released on the GRT/Passport label. Black Noise, with its futuristic science-fiction overtones, sold well, with 'Phasors on Stun' becoming a staple on FM radio.
'Phasors on Stun' - the seven-inch is about 30 seconds shorter than the album version - starts off with a series of keyboard and mandolin figures, joined by the drums before the first verse is sung. The words "phasors on stun" never actually appear in it, although a sound effect meant to simulate the discharge of a phasor (the sci-fi version of a handgun from the 1960s Star Trek television show) can be heard in the background during the final verse. The song has a push/pull feel from the bass line and the vocal phrasing, and like any good single instantly imprints itself on the listener. 'Phasors on Stun' was a popular song on FM radio throughout Southern Ontario and was the one that would come to be most closely associated with the group.
Nash decided to leave the group shortly after the release of Black Noise. FM would go through a number of personnel changes (with Hawkins the only consistent member) but would continue to perform for a number of years. Nash the Slash released his four-song Bedside Companion EP soon after leaving and would go on to achieve considerable success as a solo act throughout the 1980s.
|
|
Suggestions
Bombers
Bombers
Telson
The Red Squares
Ottawa Today / Transmitter - 7"
Double Helix
The Curse
Shoeshine Boy / The Killer Bees - 7"
Hi-Fi
|
