32 years on since the release of their debut album Indiscreet, British AOR legends FM are sounding as good as they ever have. The popularity of the band has grown massively since they reformed in 2007. A success which has paid off in recent years when the band where signed by Italian rock label Frontiers Music slr in 2014. Driven by the exceptional vocal talents of frontman Steve Overland, the band consisting of fellow founding members Merv Goldsworthy (bass) and Pete Jupp (drums), is completed by keyboardist Jem Davis and super talented guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick.
Friday 30th March 2018 marked the release of the band’s latest studio album ‘Atomic Generation’ via Frontiers Music, following on from previous releases under the label ‘Indiscreet 30’ (2016) and Heroes and Villains (2015).
Anticipation of what was in store on this latest studio offering was teased with the release of the first single ‘Make the Best of What You’ve Got’, a song synonymous with the typical melodic FM sound. This was closely followed up by the second single and album opener ‘Bad Magic’, a track harder rocking than the first, brought to life by Jim’s funky guitar riffs and accompanied by a rather saucy music video, akin to ‘Digging Up The Dirt’ from 2015’s Heroes and Villains.
Finally, if there was further evidence that variety was going to be the spice of this album, the release of their third single ‘Playing Tricks On Me’ certainly demonstrated that the band aren’t afraid to delve into unfamiliar territory. The track could give Carlos Santana a run for his money with its Latino vibe! Again driven by the sublime guitar work of Jim Kirkpatrick.
Overall this 11 track album is quite possibly one of their finest releases in recent times. Ranging from the usual melodic ballads on tracks like ‘Killed By Love’, ‘Do You Love Me Enough, and ‘Love Is The Law’ to guitar driven anthems such as ‘In It For The Money’ and even a hint of the 80s era Foreigner sound on ‘Too Much of a Good Thing’.
As always you can expect a stunning vocal performance from Steve Overland, and genuinely it’s been difficult to select a stand out favourite track as it seems to change with every listen. Current favourites are ‘Playing Tricks on Me’ and ‘In It For The Money’.
Atomic Generation is available to purchase now in CD, Vinyl and digital formats. For further information visit www.fmofficial.com.
The band will head out on the Atomic Generation tour, April to June, playing Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan and their first ever US date at Melodic Rock Fest 5 in Chicago in between.
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