Description
FM – Black Noise – Vinyl Record
FM\’s Black Noise (1977) is a pioneering album in the realm of progressive rock and space rock, released by the Canadian band FM. This album stands out for its futuristic sound, complex compositions, and innovative use of electronic instruments, making it one of the most acclaimed progressive rock records of the 1970s. FM was known for blending elements of rock, jazz fusion, and electronic music, and Black Noise captures their ability to create expansive, atmospheric soundscapes filled with melodic complexity and technical prowess.
What sets Black Noise apart is its sci-fi concept, otherworldly soundscapes, and intricate musicianship, which brought something fresh to the Canadian rock scene at the time. FM, consisting of Cameron Hawkins (bass, keyboards, and vocals), Nash the Slash (electric violin, mandolin, and other electronic instruments), and Martin Deller (drums and percussion), pushed the boundaries of progressive rock with this release.
Black Noise is deeply rooted in the progressive rock tradition, with its lengthy, complex compositions and virtuosic musicianship. At the same time, the album incorporates space rock elements, with its atmospheric synths, futuristic themes, and hypnotic rhythms, giving the album a cosmic, otherworldly feel.
FM’s sound is defined by the innovative use of electronic instruments, particularly synthesizers and electric violin, which were relatively novel in rock music at the time. Nash the Slash’s electric violin and mandolin playing add an eerie, otherworldly quality to the music, while Cameron Hawkins\’ use of synthesizers and keyboards gives the album its spacey, futuristic vibe.
The album is filled with lush, layered soundscapes that transport the listener to a futuristic, sci-fi-inspired world. The use of echoing synths, swirling violin, and tight, intricate drumming creates an immersive listening experience that feels expansive and cinematic.
Key Tracks
“Phasors on Stun”: The opening track is one of FM’s most famous songs and a standout on Black Noise. It introduces listeners to the band’s signature blend of prog rock and spacey electronic textures, with catchy synth riffs, driving basslines, and Nash the Slash’s unique electric violin. The song’s title and sound evoke futuristic themes, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
“One O\’Clock Tomorrow”: This track is a more melodic and atmospheric piece, with a dreamy quality brought out by lush synthesizer layers and delicate violin work. The song builds slowly, with intricate instrumental passages and a sense of cosmic wonder.
“Black Noise”: The title track is one of the most complex and ambitious pieces on the album. It features shifting time signatures, intense instrumental interplay, and a darker, more mysterious tone. The song\’s complex arrangements and spacey textures make it one of the album’s most progressive moments.
“Slaughter in Robot Village”: A dynamic and experimental track, this song combines heavy, aggressive sections with quieter, more atmospheric moments. The interplay between Nash the Slash’s violin and Hawkins’ synthesizers creates a dramatic tension, fitting with the sci-fi themes of the album.
“Aldebaran”: Named after a star, this instrumental track exemplifies FM’s ability to create spacey, hypnotic soundscapes. It’s a slower, more contemplative piece, with delicate synthesizer work and haunting melodies that evoke the vastness of space.
Much of Black Noise is influenced by science fiction, with songs that explore futuristic or dystopian themes. Tracks like “Phasors on Stun” and “Slaughter in Robot Village” are clearly inspired by space-age concepts, reflecting the era’s fascination with technology, space exploration, and the future.
The album also touches on themes of environmental destruction and dystopia, a common thread in progressive rock during the late 1970s. The title track, “Black Noise,” deals with themes of ecological collapse and humanity’s disconnect from the natural world.
There’s a sense of alienation and isolation running through the album, both thematically and musically. The spacey, atmospheric soundscapes evoke a feeling of being lost in space or disconnected from society, a theme that reflects both the sci-fi influence and the more introspective nature of progressive rock.
One of the most distinctive elements of FM’s sound is Nash the Slash’s electric violin, which adds a unique, eerie texture to the music. His playing is both melodic and experimental, often using effects to create alien, otherworldly sounds that contribute to the album’s spacey atmosphere.
Hawkins’ use of synthesizers is central to the album’s futuristic sound. His playing is versatile, ranging from catchy, melodic lines on “Phasors on Stun” to more atmospheric, textural work on tracks like “Aldebaran.”
Deller’s drumming is tight, precise, and complex, with shifting time signatures and intricate rhythms that are typical of progressive rock. His drumming provides a solid foundation for the more experimental elements of the music, keeping the complex compositions grounded.
Though Black Noise wasn’t a huge commercial success upon its release, it has since become a cult classic within the progressive rock community. Its unique blend of sci-fi themes, space rock soundscapes, and virtuosic musicianship has earned it a devoted following over the years.
FM’s use of synthesizers and electric violin was innovative for the time, influencing future generations of progressive and electronic musicians. Their ability to blend electronic instruments with rock music helped pave the way for later developments in electronic rock and ambient music.
Black Noise is often considered one of the great achievements of Canadian progressive rock. FM, along with contemporaries like Rush, helped put Canada on the map in terms of progressive rock during the 1970s and 1980s.
FM’s Black Noise is a landmark album in the progressive rock and space rock genres, combining futuristic themes with innovative instrumentation and complex, atmospheric compositions. With its blend of rock, jazz fusion, and electronic music, the album offers a unique listening experience that transports the listener to otherworldly realms. Though underappreciated in its time, Black Noise has since become a cult classic, recognized for its forward-thinking sound and its influence on the progressive rock landscape. For fans of prog rock, space rock, and electronic music, Black Noise remains an essential and timeless record.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic but promo hole in jacket
Track Listing
Phasors On Stun
One O\’Clock Tomorrow
Hours
Journey
Dialing For Dharma
Slaughter In Robot Village
Aldeberan
Black Noise
