Review: FM - 'Synchronized'

It’s been a while since I last did an album review, a combination of lacking the time and a feeling that the bonus of presenting a radio show gives people the opportunity to listen and make their own mind up about the music I often wax lyrical about. So there’s never been a real desire to do many written reviews. Nonetheless... I have decided that I will do a review. Mainly for purely over enthusiastic reasons, and also the fact that I have found myself with extra time on my hands thanks to the impact of Covid 19.

FM - Synchronized (2020) Frontiers

Everyone has their favourite music so believe me when I say this one definitely comes from a place of pure admiration.

British AOR legends FM released their latest studio album ‘Synchronized’ via Frontiers Records on the rescheduled date of May 22nd 2020. Originally set for release back in April, but delayed due to the onset of Covid 19, the anticipation levels were at fever pitch by the time the band had teased their third single, ‘Superstar’. This followed on from the excellent title track and album standard barer ‘Synchronized’, and the equally impressive second single ‘Broken’.

The band hinted prior to release that they would be reigniting their 80s styled melodic roots for this one, with comparisons to their 1986 debut ‘Indiscreet’ and follow up ‘Tough It Out’ (1989) soon being made. Albums that are widely considered to be some of the band’s finest work, a yardstick to which later releases have repeatedly been measured. FM though, are a band that have never failed to produce. Even after a 15 year hiatus their consistency is second to none. The comeback album ‘Metropolis’ (2010) spoke volumes about the bands intent to be more than just short lived nostalgia. With the addition of guitar maestro Jim Kirkpatrick to the lineup and a busy touring schedule over the last decade.... yes decade!... the band are arguably enjoying a revival more akin to the levels of appreciation they should have received the first time round.

FM - LIVE Glasgow Garage 2018

The ‘Synchronized’ album brings out the best of FM, their songwriting, performance, and the consistently outstanding vocals of frontman Steve Overland. Much has been said about Steve’s pitch perfect tones, in all honesty this man could sing the phone book and I’d still listen. Thankfully though, the band know how to write a great song, and excel in particular when it comes to a ballad. The tracks ‘Ghost Of You And I’ and ‘Angels Cried’ really bring out the range in Steve’s voice, and are prime examples of why they are so highly regarded in the melodic rock world. It’s fair to say not many bands from the 80s era will have a lead singer who’s voice is still as flawless, and if you’ve ever seen the band live you’ll know there’s no studio enhancement required.

Its not all love and heartbreak ballads when it comes to FM’s songs though, the track ‘End Of Days’ echos today’s real world problems, with the opening lines mentioning “fake news” and a broken humankind, reflecting the strange times we all find ourselves in. However there’s nothing downbeat about the album, current single ‘Change For The Better’ has come at the right time, a track filled with positive summer vibes and a message of change that seems all so relevant at the moment.

If there’s one song on the album that is sure to be a favourite on the live tour, it’s the title track ’Synchronized’, instantly catchy, killer riffs, and full of that crowd pleasing sentiment that makes you want to crank the volume to the max. Certainly a contender for best track, along with the unapologetically 80s sounding, synth infused number, ’Walk Through The Fire’. If you forgive how close the opening of the track is to Mr. Mister’s ‘Broken Wings’ the song builds into a power ballad that wouldn’t be out for place in movie soundtrack.

Overall the album is a beacon of light in an ever increasingly dark world. Recent rock chart success in both the UK and Sweden say all you need to know about this band’s popularity, especially in a time where physical albums sales are on the decline and digital downloads and streams reign supreme.

2020 will be remembered for so many other reasons, but FM can look back and be proud of an album that has become the reason for so many fans to be cheerful.

This one comes highly recommend!

5/5

Gemma :-)

FM:

Steve Overland - Vocals, Guitars

Merv Goldsworthy - Bass

Pete Jupp - Drums

Jem Davis - Keyboards

Jim Kirkpatrick - Guitars

FM : Photo by Antonio Ayiotis

2021 Tour:

FM have announced that they will be heading out on tour in the UK in support of the album ‘Synchronized’ in 2021. Along with the brand new dates, the tour also includes two shows in Swansea and Nuneaton that have had to be rescheduled from 2020 due to the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Special Guest on the Tour is hotshot Blues guitarist Laurence Jones (except Nantwich and Nottingham) and Demon (Nantwich only).

Tickets on general sale now - details at http://bit.ly/FMlive