Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Consistency, such a resounding achievement in any field, let alone artistic, is to be as lauded as that which comes from those who see the application of success as only one of creative ups and downs and continual disruption that leads to an output of extremes.
The variation of extreme might have some drooling with anticipation, but for the multitude the sheer ability of reliable dependability is overwhelmingly fierce, it shows a narrative of textured nuance that has been carefully thought out, fleshed and ironed with devotion, and in the solid and endearing rock group, FM’s latest album, Brotherhood, is a lesson in steadfast critically positive drive and ambition, strengthened by the infectious groove of the songs that pump blood and blow the mind.
Whilst lovingly consistent, Brotherhood arguably opens a new window on the rock band’s psyche, it is a continuation, but one furthering their cause, and for Steve Overland, Merv Goldsworthy, Pete Jupp, Jem Davis, and Jim Kirkpatrick, that cause is all vibrant and consuming – consistency but with a deep layering of exploration firmly entrenched and awaiting discovery.
Hook laden and firm, FM punch their way through tracks such as Living On The Run, Raised On The Wrong Side, Time Waits For No One, Chasing Freedom, the opening value of Do You Mean It, and the silk tongued pleasure of Love Comes To All, with a reckoning of balance and unyielding cool as the group’s ninth album with the current, constant line up shoots on sight and hits the target with unnerved talent and demand.
It is without doubt that the band’s vision has not only served them well, it has released an inner determination to never settle, to be beautifully artful, but also keep the genre firmly on point, to be the standard bearers and the groove makers in essence and in fact.
Sophisticated, unpretentious, worldly, FM strut where others fall and with creative humility at their side.
FM release Brotherhood on 5th September via Frontiers Music SRL.
Ian D. Hall