Their self-titled debut album was released to critical acclaim in 1987, and earned praise from Rolling Stone and contemporary punk rock bands, including Hüsker Dü.
Later that year, word about the Nils had spread to Los Angeles, and BYO Records invited the group to contribute the track "Scratches and Needles" to the compilation album Something to Believe In.
In 1984, The Nils contributed "Call of the Wild" to Primitive Air Raid, a compilation album of the early-80s Montreal punk scene.
The album was acclaimed by critics, and rose to number eight on Rolling Stone's College Music chart, while artists such as Bob Mould, the Meat Puppets, and Superchunk were singing The Nils’ praises.
Despite the positive reviews and chart success, Rock Hotel Records did not support the album release with a significant budget for music videos or touring.
"[4] The Nils were halfway through a North American tour and writing material for their second album when Rock Hotel ran into serious financial problems and folded in 1988.
While in Minneapolis, the band abruptly received notice that the rest of the tour was cancelled due to the bankruptcy of Profile Records.
With The Nils on a forced hiatus, Alex began working menial jobs and playing occasional solo shows around Montreal.
During this time, Alex accepted an offer to release a Nils a retrospective compilation by Woody Whelan of Mag Wheel records.
The EP’s first single, the hockey-themed “Fourth Line,” was hailed as “gritty and melodic” and reminiscent of The Nils’ heralded debut album.