Jazz-fusion for the instrumental tracks and sci-fi prog-rock à la Rush and UK for the sung tracks. Here are two quotes from the New Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock about this record :

"Black Noise is probably their best album, more song orientated with now prominent vocals. The use of electric mandolin gives it the necessary originality, I certainly don't know of any other band that's used it to this extent before. Something like a high-tech, spacy mix of http://www.gepr.net/ro.html#RUSH - Rush and U.K., for want of a better comparison. Black Noise is definitely the one to begin with, if only for the magnificent 10-minute title track."

"Black Noise (1977): A three-piece band set in Toronto, the first lineup consists of Cameron Hawkins (keys, bass, vocals), Martin Deller (drums, synth), and Nash The Slash (violin/mandolin, vocals). Note the absence of guitar, but you couldn't tell that from Nash The Slash's electric violin, which sounds like a guitar at times. This is their true first album; synthesizer-driven progressive music that rocks out at times. One can notice a definite http://www.gepr.net/y.html#YES - Yes influence, as well as then-contemporaries http://www.gepr.net/ro.html#RUSH - Rush (particularly in the keyboard parts). There is some pop edge to the vocal pieces (well, it IS 1977, when most progressive bands were trading in quality for commercialism), and most songs have a basic structure to them. However, this doesn't detract from the music, as the musicianship is high and the melodies are quite memorable. Overall, this is a quality album and is the one to start with if you're curious about this band. "

lucas wrote: Any Canadian here who heard about this UK/Rush/Mahavishnu-inspired band ?

Well, not only am I unfamiliar with the band, but I live just a tad south of Canada.  But I admit being fascinated by your review.

I've heard of them. I checked out a couple of 30 second samples. It is similar to Saga and Rush.

It should be in the archives with a song or two..... Max?

danbo wrote: It is similar to Saga and Rush.

And Mahavishnu Orchestra for the instrumental tracks.

Hello:

Was doing some research online about FM when I came across this post. As a matter fact I'm doing an FM website now. It has been a long time since there has been one out there. I saw them only once in Kingston Ontario. Fantastic band they were. Have all of their 8 albums. Once I launch it in the next dew days I'll post the link. Email me or visit my music collection site some time.

Paul Wentworth

Ontario, Canada

New FM site (Phasors on Stun/Nash The Slash)

Please come and visit the new site dedicated to the Progressive Rock Band FM. They were a well-known Canadian band in the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s. The site has in depth history, album details, photos and more. Come by and have a look and sign the Guestbook. If you have any FM related stories or material to share contact me through the email address at the site.

Paul Wentworth

Blacknoise The FM Archive   http://web.ripnet.com/~pwentworth/fm.html - http://web.ripnet.com/~pwentworth/fm.html