FM are back with their twelfth studio album, and it is exactly what one expects from the guys, top quality melodic rock with great vocals, harmonies and hooks. The line-up of Steve Overland (vocals, guitars), Merv Goldsworthy (bass), Pete Jupp (drums), Jem Davis (keyboards) and Jim Kirkpatrick (guitars) have been together for 10 years, while Steve, Merv and Pete were there at the very beginning back in 1984. The name ‘FM’ is synonymous with high quality music, and after 36 years in the game (okay, so they had 12 years off for good behaviour after they officially broke up in 1995), they are not going to change their musical direction yet.

Since this line-up got together in 2010, there have been headline tours both in the UK and overseas, special guest slots touring with Foreigner, Journey, Thin Lizzy and Heart, festival appearances including Download, Planet Rockstock, Sweden Rock, Graspop, Steelhouse Festival, Frontiers Rock Festival, HRH and HRH AOR, Cambridge Rock Festival, and in 2018 their first-ever live show in the US at Melodic Rock Fest 5. They have nothing left to prove in the melodic rock world, and just seeing the name allows the listener to know exactly what is going to be included inside. There are few bands who have managed to be so consistent for so long, and with Overland still having a great voice, they are unlikely to stop any time soon. There may not be any massive standout numbers on this album, but in terms of sheet professionalism and style this is something which makes me smile from beginning to end.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://www.fmofficial.com/
https://www.frontiers.it/