FM
Dead Man Shoes

 This is the fifth official studio album (1995) by the English band FM, a melodic rock band that debuted in 1986 with "Indiscreet," which in my opinion, definitely deserves to be revisited and listened to again.

FM plays melodic hard rock or AOR if you prefer and they are certainly not newcomers: all the members come from past experiences with valuable bands in the English Hard'n'Heavy scene (Samson, Diamond Head, Wildlife) and from the start, they have shown a remarkable musical cohesion and extraordinary musical unity as if they have always played together... Really worth mentioning, especially singer Steve Overland, one of the best rock voices in England (on the planet?).

I chose this album for my first review because it has always been underappreciated compared to some of their more popular productions.

The listening of these 10 tracks rich with evocative melodies and vaguely southern-rock dynamic rhythms will transport you to the desolate lands of places like Texas, just as the stunning cover seems to suggest... Just like that, FM demonstrates an innate sense for American-style melodies and arrangements despite coming from the Land of Albion, and track after track this album will win you over with vibrant rhythms on the edge of hard rock or with dreamy ballads.

Below is the complete tracklist:

"Nobody's Fool" mid-tempo with an enveloping and sinuous riff shamelessly southern rock that ignites in the finale, an excellent track for any other band but for FM it seems almost just a "warm-up."

"Ain't No Cure For Love" the first true gem of the CD could be a chart hit if hard rock were still in vogue: ultra melodic syncopated riff for a kind of power ballad with a very catchy rhythm that flows into a heartfelt and painful chorus (there is no cure for love sings Steve). Also here, a chilling finale with piano and vocals in countertime, a trademark of many FM songs.

"Get Ready" this is a cover revisited in AOR style by FM but I can't remember whose it is... very modern mid-tempo in the arrangements, very fresh and rhythmic, I would say almost danceable if I didn't fear being misunderstood (a sort of Beatles in hard key), then a breathtaking break in the middle of the track with a blazing solo.

"Don't Say" hmm... unusual track even by FM standards: tribal intro with west coast acoustics then a very rhythmic mid-tempo (yes, yet another mid-tempo!) and an irresistible break-bridge with a solo that exudes 100% American dream!

"Mona" strange title... anyway, this is a sweet melancholic piano ballad performed with pathos by the singer.

"Sister" among my favorites, a display of strength/technique of the whole band! Introduction of just voice and guitar doubled by a powerful and dynamic riff and then a carpet of keyboards to round everything off for a high-energy track graced as always by stellar vocals!

"You're The One" mega ballad that would make Bryan Adams and Bon Jovi envious... incredible how easily FM churns out songs of such quality with minimal effort, there are bands that would sell their mother for a track like this, while here it's just routine.

"Tattoo Needle" the single I believe... not among my favorites but very captivating and catchy... maybe too much.

"Misery" sensational song! The content of the lyrics escapes me but folks, this is not just music, it's art! A fast and pressing rhythm broken by fabulous slow-acoustic parts that might even bring a tear or two. Usual ultra-technical break right after the 2nd chorus.

"Dead Man Shoes" here we are at the end (sigh) with the title track... the most ambitious track on the CD... excellent conclusion! My favorite! Intro like Pink Floyd (or FM?) ethereal with cicadas in the background and acoustic riffs with a western imprint (seems like an episode of Renegade!) vocals in countertime and a stratospheric sunny chorus that literally pierces through that gray dusty cloudy sky painted by the previous notes.

A final note regarding the cover: those endless stretches of sand surrounding the lonely wanderer seem just like...