“FM” was the name of a band formed in Toronto in 1976. The first version was duo featuring Cameron Hawkins (keyboards, bass guitar and vocals) and Jeff Plewman (violin, mandolin, vocals), better known by his stage name “Nash the Slash”. Although Nash the Slash would later become better known for his stage persona which featured him having his face completely covered in wrapped bandages, sunglasses, top hat and tuxedo, at this point he was just wearing the sunglasses, tux and top hat. From the start the band performed their own original compositions. On of their first public appearances would be on the Ontario public broadcaster TVOntario (better known through its acronym “TVO”) as featured artists in the network’s Nightmusic concert series. This specific performance is currently available for viewing on-line for those who may be interested. The band had a unique sound, featuring layered keyboard textures and creative synthesizer melodies from Cameron Hawkins alongside Nash’s ethereal violin and mandolin playing. Both band members also sang. An early version of one the band’s best known songs, “Phasors On Stun”, was performed at this time.
In early 1977 Martin Deller (drums) 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 the CBC television variety show “Who’s New”, resulting in the CBC offering to pay the band for an album length recording session. It was out of this process that the band’s first album was created. Included in this process was the release of a promotional single, “Phasors On Stun”. The album, “Black Noise”, was released by the CBC, although it was only available in limited quantities, and in 1978 was re-released on the GRT/Passport label domestically (and was readily available for purchase). Black Noise became a good seller, with the single Phasors On Stun a staple on FM radio. The album has stood the test of time quite well, being ranked as number 48 by Rolling Stone magazine as one of their top 50 in the category of progressive rock. I would not describe the album as being overtly “spacey”, although it does have a futuristic feeling with an overtone of science-fiction, and for a prog rock album, is quite accessible.
As a 7 inch single, Phasors On Stun was released in two different versions. The promotional version featured a stereo version on one side, and a mono version of the other. The version that came from the GRT/Passport release of Black Noise was a later take, and featured another song from the album as the B side. The first version was about 30 seconds shorter than the later release. The later version would be the one most closely identified with the group. The song starts with a series of keyboard and mandolin figures, joined by the drums before the first verse is sung. The actual words Phasors On Stun never appear in the song, although a sound effect meant to simulate the discharge of a phasor (the science fiction version of a handgun from the 1960’s 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. As I have indicated earlier, it was a popular song on rock FM radio throughout Southern Ontario, and was the song that would be most closely associated with the group. Shortly after the album’s release, Nash the Slash decided to leave the group, and was replaced by Ben Mink. This trio was the one that I recall seeing in the Toronto club scene in the early 1980’s.
FM would continue to perform, albeit with a number of personal changes. Cam Hawkins has been the consistent member throughout the various versions of the band. Nash The Slash would also perform as a solo act. To “dial in” a classic song from one of Canada’s 1970’s most accessible progressive rock groups, tune in your radio to FM, and enjoy Phasors On Stun.
