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FM
Heroes And Villains

Frontiers (2015)
Rating: 9/10

In 2014 British rockers FM celebrated 30 years in the music business, and with new album Heroes And Villains we get a set of solid hard rock songs that will stand as testament to that fantastic career. Now, I own a lot of FM albums but have to say that this latest offering is definitely one of their best; a really chunky, catchy and above all classy slab of rock.

The album opens with the brilliant ‘Digging Up The Dirt’, which is one of the best tracks I’ve heard so far this year. From its slick opening fizzle to that killer riff I’m reminded as to why nothing beats a fiery slab of cosy British rock. Sure, it’s nothing innovative, but boy it’s pure and soulful and oddly hints at Def Leppard, with Jim Kirkpatrick’s effortless guitar tone creating a cool foundation for a song that remains timeless in its quality.

Steve Overland’s vocals never fail to raise a smile within my heart as they soar in graceful, smooth fashion over Pete Jupp’s steady drum backdrop. It’s classic rock, nothing more and nothing less, and at most times this is all you need in life; just be thankful that FM have supplied such gems in abundance over the course of nine studio albums.

The band is of course masters of aching melody too. ‘You’re The Best Thing About Me’ is an upgraded dose of 80s power ballad buffoonery, while ‘Fire And Rain’ almost, dare I say it, begins like a hip-hop track before the guitars and percussion come rushing in to make it an orgasmic struttin’ funked up rock stomp. Where FM keep finding so many ideas from is beyond me, but to carve them and construct them into such timeless gems baffles me even further. Literally every track is a winner here, especially the AOR ascension of ‘Call On Me’, the hair metal rush of ‘Cold Hearted’ with its cool, sassy lick, and the simple yet driving shimmy and shakes of ‘Some Days I Only Wanna Rock And Roll’ and ‘I Want You’.

FM have proven to be the masters of simplicity time and time again, and whereas many acts would be condemned for being formulaic in their uncomplicated manner there’s just something so special about this collection of modest designs which are completely removed of manufactured pomp and prissy ego. Right down to the heartbreaking ‘Walking With The Angels’, Heroes And Villains is a truly rewarding opus from the rulers of their trade.

Neil Arnold

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