Artist; FM
Album; Synchronized
Release Date; 10 April 2020
Album review by; Nick
British AOR/Rock staples FM are back with their latest album Synchronized and as soon as I heard the lead single from the album Superstar I could not wait to listen to the full album. I felt that with their past few releases including the UK hit Heroes And Villains, they had lost their way a bit. Being a fan of their first two albums 1986’s Indiscreet and 1989’s Tough It Out I had gotten used to their sound from the era. They had released a couple of more albums before disbanding and made their comeback with 2010’s Metropolis. With this album however I feel that they are back to their signature melodic rock sound and in 2016 they released a 30th Anniversary re-recording of Indiscreet. I feel many an influence of that album on Synchronized is present.
The title track is the opening song on the album; the introduction is a small spoken word segment which directly leads into the song kicking in. The first thing you hear are the keyboards of Jem Davies and it demonstrates a full sound before the rest of the band step in. Some true melodic rock and even parts of the song having a “Thunder” feel. The lead single Superstar is a song I enjoy. The first track I heard when it was released for radio. Steve Overland’s vocals are on top form here and the catchy chorus is one to have the listener singing along to. It is the perfect song for a single with appealing guitar hooks, unforgettable lyrics and a melody that is easy on the ear.
With Best Of Times the album continues slowing the pace down with a steady ballad. The lyrics deal with a breakup and the male in the story wanting his lover back but accepts that if he cannot at least they enjoyed their time together which leads to the title of the song. The lyrics are very thought provoking and deal with a situation that many a listener will appreciate where they can put themselves in the songwriter’s shoes. Continuing at a slow pace with piano ballad Ghosts of You and I. A love ballad that any melodic rock band old or new would be proud of. It reminds me of a Def Leppard ballad in places, with flowing piano and soothing vocals from Steve Overland.
A change of pace again with the very 80s sounding Broken. The guitar hooks on this song from Jim Kirkpatrick are extraordinarily strong and the keyboards are audible yet again which is something I have missed on previous recent albums. A memorable chorus and amazing guitar interludes. The band are very tight on this delightful mid-tempo rocker. The driving Change For The Better continues the consistency and would not sound out of place on their earlier work. Another one of those lyrics that deals with hard times and working hard to fulfil dreams. The backing vocal harmonies in the song provide a nice touch, topped off with a passionate chorus that will have the listener singing along.
End Of Days starts off with a dramatic organ and more spoken word excerpts that are news reports. Very anthemic and thought provoking, a song that does not sound out of place with the times that we live in reflecting of the danger and destruction going on all around us. Amazing keyboards and guitars from Jim Kirkpatrick and Jem Davis respectively. Pray shows gospel influences and steers off a little bit in consistency for the album for me reminding me of some of their work on previous releases. The song is still good with that with understandable lyrics and a melody that keeps things interesting throughout.
The album returns to form with Walk Through The Fire the track opens with a driving bass line remarkably like the Mr Mister song Broken Wings. A great driving song and the keyboards sail along during the opening. The song grows from a soothing melody to the bombastic chorus. The bridge to the song is also noteworthy with a staggering drum fill and crunchy guitar licks. The song still builds up to a dramatic ending finishing the track with style.
Hell Or High Water is a driving rocker that continues the pace of the album which I think will make a great live staple in years to come. Solid guitar riffs, solo’s and bass lines all complimented with melodic keyboards, topped off with Steve Overland’s vocals which he notches it up a little for this song openly showing his talent and another staggering sing along chorus which keeps the listener absorbed.
FM show their bluesy side with the next song on the album, the ballad Angel’s Cried. A very emotional number and Steve’s vocal highlight of the album. His voice is very enriched into the song and rivals’ greats like Paul Rogers on this, ironically this is a ballad that would not sound out of place on a Bad Company album. The moving guitar compliments the feel of the song and strikes out emotion with every chord and solo.
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The final track on the album Ready For Me is a blistering rocker which concludes the album in fine style. This is a song which could easily be positioned anywhere on an album or live set list, whether it be an opener, ending or somewhere in the middle. The lyrics have a “we are here to stay, and we are coming for you” attitude. The band are on top form and packs a mighty punch leaving the listener content.
With this release FM show that they have no intention of slowing down and I feel that this is their best album since their 80s heyday. If Synchronized has done one thing it has got me back into a band that I had forgotten about for such a long time and has delighted me throughout. Looking forward to seeing them live when we can get back on the road again.
Album Rating – 4.5/5
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