What started off as a highschool garage band, eventually moved to Toronto after graduation. We did however, manage to write a considerable amount of fun, jumpy, performance art before we left.
By Jan 1992 as the four original members where just beginning to learn how to craft music with their instruments, playing rare house gigs around town, with a tiny and obscure repetoire of noise and unfinished material. Things were beginning to build towards their first official performance
Dec 28th 1991 - @ "Shrug off Reality" (in the Purple Lantern's Lounge) a considerable amount of momentum was beginning to brew both creatively as well as in potential, as it was the last year of highschool for both Cowen and Myles.
By "Shrug off Reality 2" May 2nd, 1992 the four had became more, as Jason Myles (drums), Scott Kaija (guitar), Bill Cowen (vocals), Mike Robillard (base), were joined by an horn section, an accordian player (Mudd) and Ian McDougal (lead guitar). These additions notably filled out the sound of what was beginning to be a large collection of original compositions. Also at this time, much four Track recording was done thanks to Darryl Patterson, who became not only the keyboard player, but also an integral technical engineer, rehearsal space finder, and creative director. Like Ian, Daryl had a musical background, and their knowledge of the Treble clef was a boon, when it came to arrangement in what was becoming increasingly complicated with all the new members. Luckily, it was Darryl, who brought his chums from his brass band, so they all seemed to know what to do, while Kaija and Cowen did their best to keep the material coming There was much talk of recording, and some 4 track recordings exists. Peter Greaves thought it was all just "Great".
The band split for the first time after "the Princess Gig", a year later when Bill stayed in Sault Ste Marie, while various members moved to Toronto to get jobs and play shows throughout southern Ontario, under the name "Four Really Nice Guys". They split for good circa 1995, just after finally finishing their semi-professional produced cassette recording. A frolicking collection of new and old songs, appropriately called "Brand New Old Stuff".
Most members went through a variety of bands post-Nice Guys. Scott eventually went on a tour Europe and North Americal with his band "Controller.Controller".
BUT WAIT, I haven't event talked about the late nights in old School Gymnasium, or the gig and backstage at the Princess Theatre ...! :)
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