FM – Futurama (2014)
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After many years of silence, FM – the finest and classiest British AOR / Melodic Rock act – return has proved amazingly prolific. Two albums, Rockville and Rockville II at the end of 2012 and start of 2013, and now they have already put together a new offering released today , March 31, 2014: “Futurama”.
Frontman Steve Overland says: “We’ve been busy in the studio working on “Futurama” and writing songs for the next album. We’re really pleased with the direction the songs are taking. Previous EPs have proved popular – and this is our biggest and best to date.”
The definition of ‘EP’ seems to be very ‘elastic’ for FM, as the new CD packs 11 tracks and 57 minutes, a full length if you ask me.
“Futurama” offers four completely new tracks, as well as a selection of live recordings featuring some of the tracks from both of the Rockville albums, as well as tracks from their ’80s and ’90s heyday and an Extended Remix.
The new tracks all have the same formula of good, old fashioned Melodic Rock music full of soaring melodies, sweet harmonies, loud guitars and pounding drums.
Intro track “Futurama” is an instrumental setting the scene for “Cold Hearted” and “Bad That’s Good in You”. Both of these songs are high level, anthemic songs, with plenty of choruses which could have been written specifically to get people singing along.
The fourth studio track on the CD is the acoustic ballad “Preying on My Mind”. This is a beautiful, soulful composition (just listen to that organ) and show off a softer side to the band that takes you far away.
The live tracks recorded at a show on their recent tours for the Rockville albums, encompass the whole span of their career from the ’80s right up to 2013, however they all have that full-bodied, melodic AOR bombast for which FM are best known.
Closes the disc “Cold Hearted (Extended Remix)”, and Iove the way FM remixes their tunes in punchy way.
One of the aspects of their music which makes FM stand out above the rest is definitely the musicianship on display within their songwriting, creating complete packages of songs time after time.
“Futurama” is a great mix of new studio song and live takes (really good and clean) of recent material, released in conjunction with a new international tour with Foreigner and Europe.
Impressive stuff, as usual with Steve Overland & Co.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
01 – Futurama
02 – Cold Hearted
03 – Bad That’s Good In You
04 – Preying On My Mind
05 – Tough Love (Live)
06 – All Or Nothing (Live)
07 – Closer To Heaven (Live)
08 – Crosstown Train (Live)
09 – Story Of My Life (Live)
10 – Breathe Fire (Live)
11 – Cold Hearted (Extended Remix)
Steve Overland – lead vocals, guitar
Merv Goldsworthy – bass, backing vocals
Pete Jupp – drums, backing vocals
Jem Davis – keyboards
Jim Kirkpatrick – lead guitar, backing vocals
BUY IT !
www.fmofficial.com/fmofficial/2_shop.html
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