FM

FM     “Brotherhood”

By Iron Sheik

“I’m not gonna try it, you try it! Let’s get Iron Sheik (Mikey), he (does not) hates everything. He likes it! Hey Iron Sheik (Mikey)!” (Life cereal, 1972)

Breakfast as prefaced came to mind while listening to the newest FM album “Brotherhood”. This release is their fifteenth since 1986, and I admittedly have no knowledge of their musical legacy as I have never listened to anything by FM before their current album. Going into this review blindly, of the band and their new album, is probably good on my behalf as there will be less bias than there would be if I was a long time fan.

FM is a band rooted in hard rock coming from London, England. With very few lineup changes since their beginning we presently have Merv Goldsworthy on bass, Pete Jupp on drums, Steve Overland on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Jem Davis on keyboards, synthesizer, organ, keytar and harmonica, and Jim Kirkpatrick on lead guitar. Together they have painted quite a sonic landscape.

I’ve heard touches of THE EAGLES, BRUCE HORNSBY, POISON, JEFFERSON STARSHIP, BON JOVI, FOREIGNER, DEF LEPPARD, TOTO, LOVERBOY, QUARTERFLASH and many others throughout “Brotherhood”. FM is a very consistent band musically as well as sounding like very accomplished musicians. If you like an AOR leaning hard rock band like the above listed bands then FM and their latest offering will fit in that groove nicely.

Being reminded of 80s pop rock is a double edged sword. There are some good bands mixed in with the bad. FM would stand apart from the crowd while fitting in that 80s scene nicely. Instantly familiar keyboards and guitars are aplenty on “Brotherhood”, and just when you think you know what comes next they throw in a curveball. Musically they go from a familiar riff to another stringing together a great memory.

Being that I have no knowledge of FM’s history. I have no idea if “Brotherhood” is a shift in sound, an evolution or a continuation of what they always play. I will say one thing though, I hear a well produced album that would rival the top production teams of the 80s. I like what I have heard, and it would make a great (late) summer record to be played at parties, played in the car, played wherever. I envisage a summer cruise in the waning sun of a late Saturday afternoon as the prelude to a Saturday night intimate rumble in a backseat. A rumble to “Brotherhood” on the FM channel.

I tried it, and I liked it! Brought to you by Iron Sheik (Mikey).

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