FM - Synchronized (Album Review)

FM is Steve Overland, guitars and lead vocals. Merv Goldsworthy, bass guitar. Pete Jupp, drums. Jem Davis, keyboards and Jim Kirkpatrick lead guitar. If you live in the United States, this band has mostly managed to stay under the radar for more than three decades even though they achieved modest success here opening up for Meat Loaf, Tina Turner and Foreigner. In recent years the band has created some very impressive melodic rock. The kind other bands can't seem to make anymore. Their newest effort, Synchonized, is more of their contagious form or rock. The comparisons to various 80's outfits are what writers typically write when they talk about FM. But this is a band that was invented in the 1980's, so people ought to be comparing more bands to them than comparing FM to other bands. With that little pet peeve out of the way, this album is another breathtaking foray into the singable melodic strains of real rock done the old fashioned way. Vocalist Steve Overland is a legend in Europe and his vocals haven't really changed over the past 36 years. His distinctive tenor is the perfect vehicle for these well crafted songs.

The album's title track roars into gear with a great guitar and keyboard intro that meets the body of the song head on. The production is crisp and clean with no overwrought vocal effects or gimmicks. In the 80's there might even be a dance remix of "Synchronized". "Superstar" is next and it's another straight forward up-tempo melodic rocker. The band alternates keyboard sounds, using Hammond B's and fatter synth sounds depending on the track. "Best of Times" is a tad more rootsy with it's acoustic guitar coupled with Overland's very Paul Rodgers take. Jim Kirkpatrick does some great soloing. It's an epic song and one of my favorites on this record. "Ghosts of You and I" is a sad descriptive tale of lost love. It's a mid-tempo ballad delivered with lots of emotion, keyboards and soaring guitars.

FM is such a well oiled machine. "Broken" continues the perfect set with more melodic greatness and superb guitar work. "Change For The Better" is another potential hit single with it's classic guitar intro, followed by a light and friendly melody that feels instantly familiar. A big organ sound starts "End of Days". The guitars subtly slip in before they crescendo and then settle into a pulsating groove. No two tracks are alike on this album. The band goes full Gospel on "Pray" with it's funky, soulful beat and big guitar riff. Tons of delicious guitar work here as the band finds a tight groove. "Walk Through The Fire" is a distant cousin of Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings". The band uses a similar build up and payoff, where the keys and bass are exposed. A great template to use for maximum emotional pull.

"Hell or High Water" sounds like something Lou Gramm did from "Long Hard Look". Giant guitar riffs and hooks with Overland doing his best to pull down those notes Lou used to sing in his sleep. "Angels Cried" is a lush, bluesy power ballad showcasing Overland and his Paul Rodgers side again. This track is stuffed with great choruses and hooks and would be a monster hit if radio was radio again. "Ready For Me" closes things out on a super high note. This time more on the uptempo all in one vein. One of the best songs on the record with guitars and keys dueling it out.

If a band was able to compose a couple of these songs and make them sound this good it would be a major achievement. FM has managed to craft 12 amazing melodic rock songs with hints of blues, soul and pop. So far this is the best album I've listened to in 2020. Yes I have biases. I enjoy a more stripped down approach to production and I am far more enthusiastic when the songwriting isn't mundane or derivative of everything else being churned out of various places in Europe. I can't envision a more complete and instantly lovable record than this one. FM proves why they continue to be the gold standard in this genre.

Album rating 9.9

Synchronized will be released April 10th via Frontiers Music