Scene Magazine
by Ben Portis
Downbeat magazine journalist John Corbett, an important and trusted commentator
on the international New Music scene, had this to say about the so-called
pioneers of noise. "I was truly surprised. The moderate volume allowed
me to listen closely to the instruments, the guitars and the fine violin.
Then I realized that they had songs and a sort of set-list. Vocalist Bill
Exley was a big, big plus. The band was charming and funny and rhythmic,
without the regular pulse of rock or jazz. Their sound, developed in an
artist's enclave over thirty years, remains both fresh and naive. This
shows a rare lack of cynicism. The NSB gave the most original performance
I've seen all year." I reminded him that the year was only days old. "I'm
not being snide; 1996 included."