Review of FM’s album “Brotherhood”: Get Ready to ROCK!

FM’s new album, “Brotherhood,” released by Frontiers Records, follows the band’s pattern of releasing albums biennially since 2018, a significant accomplishment alongside their constant touring schedule. Despite some fans yearning for a sequel to the classic “Indiscreet,” FM has reached a stage where validation is unnecessary, allowing them to explore their creative instincts freely. While the album does feature nods to their mainstream AOR sound, FM also ventures into more daring territories.

Kicking off with “Do You Mean It,” the album introduces a bluesy direction reflective of the band’s early nineties phase. This track features female backing vocals, a captivating organ solo by Jem Davis, and bluesy solos by Jim Kirkpatrick, channeling an Americanized R’n’B vibe. Transitioning to “Living On the Run,” a conventional melodic rock piece, Jim’s guitar refrain underlines the chorus, accompanied by a brief harmony guitar break. “Coming For You” follows suit, enveloping an eighties retro ambiance in its keys and drums, reminiscent of the Overland Brothers’ pre-FM band Wildlife.

“Raised On the Wrong Side” leans towards bluesy tones with robust guitar work, while “Love Comes to All” exudes an upbeat and sunny aura driven by acoustic elements, emitting an American essence. A surprising turn arrives with “Just Walk Away,” a dreamy number characterized by Spanish guitar and a chorus of choral-like backing vocals, deviating from FM’s usual style.

The lead-off single, “Don’t Call It Love,” is a more straightforward melodic rock cut packed with big backing vocals, reminiscent of FM’s debut albums’ sound. “Time Waits For No-One” follows, featuring classic keyboard intros and Steve Overland’s signature vocal style, offering a breezy and uptempo track with twin guitar leads and stirring solos by Jim and Jem.

The album diversifies further with “Because of You,” a laid-back track showcasing lush instrumentation and intriguing keyboard textures, and “Chasing Freedom,” a refreshing venture into southern-styled country rock embellished with adept guitar work and an unexpected piano solo. Ending on an eclectic note, “The Enemy Within” deviates from FM’s traditional sound, embracing elements of indie pop and rock, displaying a unique yet enjoyable fusion of styles.

Overall, “Brotherhood” embodies a sharper edge compared to its predecessor, “Old Habits Die Hard,” marking a return to the consistency seen in FM’s late 2010s albums like ‘Heroes and Villains’ and ‘Atomic Generation.’ As forerunners of a sometimes formulaic genre, FM stands out by keeping listeners engaged with unexpected twists while staying true to their core melodic rock essence.

In conclusion, FM’s “Brotherhood” presents a dynamic blend of traditional melodic rock with bold, genre-bending explorations, offering listeners a fresh and captivating musical journey.