When the cassette 1984 was released on Chimik Communications
in 1984, the Nihilist Spasm Band's last record was the 1978 Vol. 2. Although
the band was very active at the time, playing every Monday night at Forest
City Gallery in London, Ontario, since the mid-'70s, it very seldom recorded.
1984 was an attempt at documenting these weekly sessions. Tracks were edited
from domestic recording tapes, therefore the sound quality is poor, bootleg-like
at times (like on "Are You OK Bill? July 30 1984"). 1984 was originally
marketed as a 90-minute cassette. For the CD reissue, Alchemy Records dropped
two tracks in order to fit the album on one CD.
In 1984, some band members (particularly John Clement, John Boyle, and
Bill Exley) couldn't make it every night, therefore the lineup varies from
one track to another. Two major differences stand out from the usual Nihilist
Spasm Band sound. First, Bill Exley's vocals are only heard on one track,
buried in the mix, undecipherable: exit the nihilist rants. Second, the
band rocks heavier than it ever will. "March 20 1984" showcases a stripped-down
version of the NSB in an energy-packed 18-minute number. Greg Curnoe hits
the drums with fierce determination, keeping a steady rhythm, while Murray
Favro and Art Pratten play hypnotic guitar drones (a rarity for violinist
Pratten). "Sept. 10 1984" goes in the same direction, but this time with
an almost complete lineup (only Exley is missing). The closing "Oct. 16
1984" is more typical NSB, ending on quiet guitar ramblings. Still, because
of the alienating sound quality, 1984 remains a for-fans-only item. --
François Couture (from www.allmusic.com)
