Here’s one bunch of creative gentlemen. Back in the 80’s, FM were more or less thought of as the great hope for Melodic Rock and AOR but the 90’s made sure that didn’t really happen. After splitting up in the mid 90’s, the band came back in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since. The reunited band, however, went in a more Classic Rock direction than the glossy AOR of old, something that suited them perfectly as far as I’m concerned. From the Rockville album in 2013, the band has put out a new record every other year and the result has always been splendid – the song writing is stellar and the band is actually better now than back in the day, in my opinion.
That being said, the last few albums has had the band going in a more AOR/Melodic Rock direction again without dropping the 70’s Classic Rock vibes totally and again, the result has been amazing. With five killer records released in a row one wonders when the dip is gonna come. I mean, how many great songs can one write time and again without failing at least some. But for some reason, I’m not worried that it will happen with a band like FM, they’re way to talented and experienced to release an half-arsed record so I’ll be very surprised if that happens with this one.
The stompy opener “Shaking The Tree” has crunchy Classic Rock dancing with AOR-ish melodies and it tells us that all is just hunky dory in the FM camp. The rough guitars marries fine with the big keyboards. It’s a vital and energetic number with a big live-feel all over. It’s a moving track with direct melodies and a classic FM chorus with a big catchiness. Very good. Leading single “Waiting On Love” is an upbeat, chunky tune that takes us back to FM’s AOR days of old. It’s very Pop yet still soulful where every melody grabs a hold right away. Thing is, FM’s AOR isn’t like other AOR and this is pure FM AOR. Awesome!
“Talk Is Cheap” is more of a straight ahead rocker more in the vein of latter day FM where Classic Rock took over from AOR. The tune brings on some real sparks, it swings and it grooves with a rowdy, bluesy guitar and bouncy beat. The vocal-melodies are full of hooks and the chorus is a real kicker that hits right where it should. Damn good. Second single “Turn This Car Around” throws a nod towards early Bon Jovi and even Springsteen as far as the piano is concerned. The song holds a faster pace, it sports a bumpy groove, it’s live-friendly but it’s also smooth and even slick with some sing-along inviting “whoa whoa” in the AOR-flirtatious refrain, a refrain that’s impossible not to surrender to. A killer track and a hit in my book.
Some bluesy licks and a foot-stomping rhythm kicks “Love And War” off. It’s a Classic Rock groover complete with fat guitars, bottleneck slide, brittle acoustic guitars and a pulsating beat. The vocal-lines are a bit on the smooth side but it never ever gets cheesy – and the chorus is formidable. Very good. Latest single “Long Road Home” is a huge power ballad with both feet in the early 90’s. It holds a slight blues-laden vibe, some delicate acoustic guitars blended well with electric ditto – they actually bring on some Thin Lizzy influenced leads – and some massive backing vocals in the chorus where a slice of gospel has searched its way in. It’s a monster ballad and a real winner. Just brilliant.
With a swinging bass-line and an uplifting groove, “Be Lucky” is a positive, happy-go-lucky, AOR meets Melodic Rock number where I can picture myself in a car with the top-lift down with the wind blowing through my hair (if I had any) on a hot summer day. This song is all smiles with a big feelgood factor and catchy melodies to die for. Do I even have to mention that the chorus sticks like glue? Some people might see this as a bagatelle but I freakin’ love it. “Every Man Needs A Woman” has a title that might suggest it’s ballad time again but it’s the opposite. It’s an edgy tune with big hard Rock riffs, a ballsy rhythm and a straight forward, in-your-face tempo complete with a crunchy Classic Rock feel. It’s down-to-earth with striking melodies and a spot-on refrain. Good shit!
The more edgy and gritty vibes continues with “Just Got Started”, a raunchy Classic Rock groover with a big live feel and 70’s influences all over, not least the Led Zeppelin friendly riffing. It’s on the heavier side – not heavy heavy, FM heavy – but Steve Overland also brings on some souly vocals and there’s a chunk of the 80’s involved as well. The chorus might not be all that direct and catchy as such but it’s damn memorable and it will work like a charm live. Very good indeed.
“Fight Fire With Fire” isn’t a Metallica cover and it’s not as hard as the title might suggest. It’s a chunky rocker that holds elements of both 70’s Classic Rock and AOR. The rhythm is steady and tight with a distinct flow and there’s some, again, Thin Lizzy influenced guitar harmonies. Some 80’s sounding synths blends just fine with the rest of the song and brings on a nice contrast and when the chorus hits, FM has another winner on their hands. Closing track “Be True To Yourself” blends guitars and keyboards and holds more of the Classic Rock meets AOR that FM do so well. It kinda takes us back to the opening track’s structure – circle closed. The band ends the album dancing as the tune brings on a striking stomp, crispy guitars and affable melodies with yet another strong chorus. Way to go.
If you’ve read this far you know that this is not the album where FM lost the plot, no sire, this is yet another splendid effort by a band that just can’t go wrong. There’s not a weak tune in sight and the whole thing breathes heart and soul and it’s very prominent just how much the FM boys love what they do. Also, the fact that they manage to blend Classic Rock, AOR, Hard Rock and Melodic Rock with influences from Soul and making it sound like the most natural thing in the world gets a big thumb up from me. Both thumbs actually. Another magnificent release from one of Britain’s finest!
8/10
More FM reviews:
Rockville
Rockville II
Heroes And Villains
Atomic Generation
Synchronized
Tracklist:
1. Shaking The Tree
2. Waiting On Love
3. Talk Is Cheap
4. Turn This Car Around
5. Love And War
6. Long Road Home
7. Be Lucky
8. Every Man Needs A Woman
9. Just Got Started
10. Fight Fire With Fire
11. Be True To Yourself
CD & Festival reviews 