FM – Metropolis

After looking at the title of this review, you will probably ask yourself from where these guys came from. Well, it is rather easy to say. This veteran group has not been with us since their last album, which dates back to 1996 (if you remember Paraphernalia). Sometime in 1984, FM started playing a wonderful mix of 70’s Rock, AOR and a touch of cool Blues. Coming from a country that nurtured Rock music as England, their path to glory was bound to happen. However, since 1996, after changing their style, everything went to the dumpster and that was it with FM. However, staying close friends helped the guys get back to the writing room in 2007. From there, it was the beginning of the creation of Metropolis.

As for their style, it is like an 80’s wet dream for everyone who admires a true AOR feeling. Sometimes a bit Poppy, yet you can easily live with it if it’s Pop style more of an 80’s kind. Think about today’s FM as the 70’s – 80’s of Toto, softer Def Leppard, Night Ranger and sorts. You will find Rock followed by cool distortion, however, the softness and charm of these English dudes is unavoidable. Their ability to recreate the 80’s feel on this one, followed by the catchiness of the era, made their comeback smooth and sweet. FM is proof that you do not have to be loud to be proud. With the harmonies, guitar twitches, vocal expertise, aura of the keys and cool rhythms, this is a good job done.

Some of you might refer to Metropolis as a cheesy release, well you are not that far from it. However, behind their rather cheesiness, and maybe their way to find their 80’s true self, there is quality here and don’t you doubt it. These days, it is hard to find a good AOR release, because many share the feeling that this style is more related to the 80’s decade and probably the late 70’s. Can you really say how many AOR (radio friendly) types of songs are aired on the radio (and not internet radio)? The answer is rather simple, not too much and probably none. Today, that crappy Emo MTV shit is preferred over quality music, Metal or no Metal (like this band for example). The comeback of FM is a good edition to the crew of AOR comebacks of this past decade.

Maybe FM are older, yet, they share the experience of tons of bands out there. It is safe to say that through songs such as “Wildside”, “Unbreakable”, “Hollow”, “Over You”, “I Ain’t The One” and other memorable ones, they are on their way to finding their Rock heart and spreading the word. With hopes that this band will get back its recognition from the world, because their assorted style filled with softness is a good breather. Walk in the emotive Metropolis of FM and you will not have to change the station.

Steinmetal’s Highlights marked on the tracklist

1. Wildside
2. Hollow
3. Unbreakable
4. Flamingo Road
5. Metropolis
6. Over You
7. Days Gone By
8. Bring Back Yesterday
9. I Ain’t the One
10. I Don’t Need Nothing
11. The Extra Mile
12. Who’ll Stop the Rain
13. Still the Fight Goes On

Lineup

Jem Davis – Keyboards
Jim Kirkpatrick – Guitars
Merv Goldsworthy – Bass
Pete Jupp – Drums
Steve Overland – Vocals, Guitars