FM and Frontiers Music Srl are pleased to announce that due to overwhelming demand, the 'Indiscreet 30' album will see a formal commercial release on November 4th.
Thirty years after the release of their now classic debut album, FM decided to record a modern-day version of 'Indiscreet'. FM were asked many times to consider re-recording the tracks on the album using today's modern technology and recording techniques to give the songs the "FM sound" of today.
Over the years, 'Indiscreet' has deservedly won the reputation of being an iconic album for the band. FM always steered clear of the idea of re-recording it, but while in the studio recording the follow-up to their most recent release, HEROES & VILLAINS, FM decided to put down a backing track to the song "That Girl" to see how it would feel with the huge sounds they were getting at the time. It gave the song a new dynamic and power that was not possible to achieve with '80s recording technology. 'We played it back the following morning and decided it would be great to hear all these classic songs with this new lease of life,' says bassist Merv Goldsworthy. 'We are not trying to recreate the original, but this is our interpretation played by FM as we are today with the sound of FM 2016.'
In addition to the re-recording of the original album, INDISCREET 30 also features seven bonus tracks, including brand new song "Running On Empty" and a new recording of "Let Love Be The Leader".
INDISCREET 30 was produced by FM, recorded at Tremolo Studios and Coal House Studios, Staffordshire and mixed by Jeff Knowler (METROPOLIS, ROCKVILLE and HEROES & VILLAINS).
Tracklisting:
1. That Girl
2. Other Side Of Midnight
3. Love Lies Dying
4. I Belong To The Night
5. American Girls
6. Hotwired
7. Face To Face
8. Frozen Heart
9. Heart Of The Matter
Bonus Tracks:
10. Let Love Be The Leader
11. Running On Empty
12. Rainbow's End
13. Shot In The Dark
14. Bad That's Good In You
15. Love & Hate
16. That Girl (Acoustic Version)
The band will be honoring pre-orders received to date for delivery on October 28th as originally announced. The album will also be on sale during the band''s tour dates commencing October 28th at Wakefield Warehouse 23. For the Warrington Parr Hall show on Saturday October 1st, pre-orders will be taken at the merchandise stand.
TOUR DATES
Oct 01 Parr Hall - Warrington, United Kingdom
Oct 28 Warehouse 23 - Wakefield, United Kingdom
Oct 29 Rescue Rooms - Nottingham, United Kingdom
Oct 30 River Rooms - Stourbridge, United Kingdom
Nov 11 Razzmatazz 3 - Barcelona, Spain
Nov 12 Sala Chango - Madrid, Spain
Nov 13 RCA Club - Lisbon, Portugal
Nov 18 Cardiff University Students' Union - Y Plas - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Nov 19 Islington Assembly Hall - London, United Kingdom
Nov 25 WinterStorm - Troon, United Kingdom
Mar 10 HRH AOR - Pwllheli, United Kingdom
FM
Steve Overland - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Merv Goldsworthy - bass, backing vocals
Pete Jupp - drums, backing vocals
Jem Davis - keyboards
Jim Kirkpatrick - lead guitar, backing vocals
Steve Overland is a legend in his own lifetime. Is there anyone out there who is not familiar with his name? He has a history that goes way back into the late seventies, his first major recording was with the band “Wildlife” in 1980. After the demise of “Wildlife” Steve went on to form the cult British melodic rock band “FM”, a band that released many great albums throughout the eighties and nineties and more recently in 2013. Their popularity has always been at the forefront of British Hard Rock.
Steve originally teamed up with Escape Music to provide lead vocals for the Boston Tribute album (ESM 081), singing 'Amanda', one of the album highlights. Steve also joined forces with Steve Morris of “Heartland” fame to record the much acclaimed Shadowman albums “Land of the Living” (ESM 099) “Different Angles” (ESM127) “Ghost in the Mirror” (ESM179) Watching Over you (ESM224).
Steve has also fronted two releases by The Ladder, which is a dream come true for all fans of FM as the band is an extension of the great FM themselves. “Future Miracles” (ESM109) was welcome by fans old and new and it was hailed by many as the best album of 2004. More recently “Sacred” (ESM149) is an album that hones the identity of “The Ladder”.
Let’s examine Steve’s first solo album “Break Away” (ESM170), this had fans divided as it was so much different from his work with FM, but many grew to love it as it was something different from the norm. Steve gave us a more classic approach to melodic rock with “Diamond Dealer” (ESM198), with great songs that have feeling and depth. The release “Epic” provided one of the best starts to 2014 you could possible want to wish for, and had contributions from Mike Slamer and Billy Greer of Kansas. “Radio Radio” is one of the most radio-friendly tracks you could ever wish to hear and so easy on the ears. It’s the quality of the songs and musicianship on this album that made it so special, it was always going to be difficult to surpass. However, here is Steve’s new recording “Contagious” which is better than ever before. Big production and superb song-writing are the order of the day, these latest offerings from Steve are beautifully executed and flow with finesse from beginning to end.
OVERLAND Contagious track listing:
1. Doctor My Heart
2. Easy On Me
3. Edge Of The Universe
4. Every Lonely Night
5. Wildest Dreams
6. Intoxicated
7. Define Our Love
8. Pocketful Of Dreams
9. Making Miracles
10. Back Where I Belong
11. Unforgiving World
12. Shame On You (bonus track)
Line-up:
Steve Overland: Vocals
Tommy Denander: Guitars, Keyboards
Lars Chriss: Drums
Tony Franklin: Bass
Mark Stanway: Keyboards on track 1 & 9
Paul Farrington: Keyboards on track 5
Jem Davis: Hammond on track 7
Produced by: Lars Chriss & Khalil Turk
Mixed by: Lars Chriss
Mastered by: Mike Lind
Artwork by: Eric Philippe
While you wait for Def Leppard to eventually release their new album and (probably not) return to their classic sound, melodic rock fans can feast in the delights of the new FM album, which sees the reborn British AOR legends crank the guitars further up in the mix and really hone in on that multi-layered, harmony filled, big production Def Leppard FM sound of the 80s.
FM have been going long enough now that they have a big, dedicated fan base that has followed them through the 80s, into the less notable 90s and back into the light of the last several years, which has seen a true renaissance for the band.
The pinnacle of their activity since reforming has to be this album.
Production is huge, mix is crisp, balanced and clean and if the songs are anything go by; long standing fans are going to need extra lotion to handle the glorious melodies.
And it’s hard to say such a thing for a band that’s been around 30 years, if you’ve never taken FM out for a test drive this will be the album to get you started.
Digging In The Dirt is a stop-start groovy rocker; You’re The Best Thing About Me is a glorious anthemic AOR monster, which has to be one of the band’s best ever songs. Vocalist Steve Overland just gets better with age.
Life Is A Highway is a simpler driving kinda tune, while Fire & Rain returns to a sultry groove.
Incredible is a brilliant ballad. A…well, incredible ballad!
Call On Me is another album highlight, a smooth, feel good, foot tapping melodic rocker with a huge chorus; Cold Hearted is a heavier Def Leppard style rocker; Shape I’m In switches back to the feel good layered harmonies; Big Brother is a moodier, brooding rocker; while Somedays I Only Want To Rock N Roll is my one skip of the album. I just don’t dig the lyrics or the vibe.
I Want You is more Leppard harmonizing and the album closes with the immensely personal and enjoyable soulful ballad Walking With Angels.
Another year, another new FM album and yes, another triumph! Essential for those that have the 3 albums since reforming and for long time fans it goes without saying.
Filled with finely produced and performed pomp and AOR, this British stalwart of the melodic scene continues to deliver without any signs of aging.
Available Today Along With first single 'Digging Up The Dirt' and 'Life Is a Highway'
When You Pre Order the new album 'Heroes And Villains'
New Studio Album Out In Europe 17/4
and North America on 21/4
Frontiers Music Srl has announced an April 17th release date for FM new album 'Heroes And Villains' in Europe, with North America to follow on April 21st. Fans can now listen to another track to debut from the album which is: 'Somedays I Only Want to Rock & Roll.' The song is available now along with the first video/single 'Digging Up the Dirt' and 'Life Is a Highway' as an Instant Gratification Track, beginning today on iTunes worldwide when you pre-order : http://radi.al/FMHandViTunes
The lyric video can be enjoyed here:
Configurations for the album include CD, and 2LP vinyl set. You can also preorder " Heroes And Villains " via Amazon now: http://hyperurl.co/fmheroesandvillains
'Heroes and Villains' is FM's much anticipated ninth original studio album, which follows the band's celebration in 2014 of their 30th Anniversary and the successful release of the 'Rockville' albums in 2013.
Comprising the ex-Samson pair of bassist Merv Goldsworthy and drummer Pete Jupp; the Overland brothers 'vocalist/guitarist Steve and lead guitarist Chris - plus the keyboard talents of Philip Manchester (AKA sci-fi nutcase Didge Digital), FM's first public appearance on Valentine's Day of 1985 was swiftly followed by the release of their debut album, 'Indiscreet'. FM hit the road in Europe supporting the likes of Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Foreigner, Gary Moore, Status Quo and the white-hot Bon Jovi on the 'Slippery When Wet' tour.
For the next 12 years FM consolidated their position at the forefront of British melodic rock, touring everywhere they could to promote releases such as 1989's 'Tough It Out' and 1992's 'Aphrodisiac'. In1996, with 'grunge' fever sweeping the world, the band decided to call it a day... until October 2007, when FM at last played together again for the first time in 12 years, headlining a sold-out Firefest IV at Nottingham Rock City, showcasing new guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick.
This was followed in March 2010 by the release of their much-anticipated sixth studio album 'Metropolis'. The next 4 years saw FM touring extensively including tours with Thin Lizzy, Foreigner and Europe and festivals with acts like Toto, Survivor at Graspop, Sweden Rock, Loreley and Download Festival for the second time. For the first time in their history they also had songs play listed on national radio in the UK including "Story Of My Life' and 'Better Late Than never' on BBC Radio 2.
The new album sees FM staying true to their musical legacy offering their classic sound updated in 2015 with great songwriting and performances and of course the 'golden voice' of Steve Overland. Another gem of an album which is undoubtedly going to please all the fans.
See FM on tour!
Apr 3 Grimsby, Yardbirds - UK
Apr 4 Nantwich, Civic Hall Nantwich Jazz Festival - UK
Apr 11 Milan, Live Club Frontiers Rock Festival - Italy
May 1 Bristol, Bierkeller - UK
May 2 Wolverhampton, Robin 2 - UK
May 3 Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms - UK
May 5 Nottingham, Rescue Rooms - UK
May 6 Glasgow, Classic Grand - UK
May 8 Newcastle, O2 Academy - UK
May 9 Manchester, Academy 2 - UK
May 10 London, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - UK
Jun 21 Dessel, Graspop Metal Meeting - Belgium
Available Today Along With first single 'Digging Up The Dirt'
When You Pre Order the new album 'Heroes And Villains' New Studio Album Out In Europe 17/4 and North America on 21/4
Frontiers Music Srl has announced an April 17th release date for FM new album 'Heroes And Villains' in Europe, with North America to follow on April 21st. Fans can now listen to another track to debut from the album which is: 'Life Is a Highway.' The song is available now along with the first video/single 'Digging Up the Dirt' as an Instant Gratification Track beginning today on iTunes worldwide when you pre-order : http://radi.al/FMHandViTunes
The lyric video can be enjoyed here:
Configurations for the album include CD, and 2LP vinyl set. You can also preorder " Heroes And Villains " via Amazon now: http://hyperurl.co/fmheroesandvillains
'Heroes and Villains' is FM's much anticipated ninth original studio album, which follows the band's celebration in 2014 of their 30th Anniversary and the successful release of the 'Rockville' albums in 2013.
Comprising the ex-Samson pair of bassist Merv Goldsworthy and drummer Pete Jupp; the Overland brothers 'vocalist/guitarist Steve and lead guitarist Chris - plus the keyboard talents of Philip Manchester (AKA sci-fi nutcase Didge Digital), FM's first public appearance on Valentine's Day of 1985 was swiftly followed by the release of their debut album, 'Indiscreet'. FM hit the road in Europe supporting the likes of Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Foreigner, Gary Moore, Status Quo and the white-hot Bon Jovi on the 'Slippery When Wet' tour.
For the next 12 years FM consolidated their position at the forefront of British melodic rock, touring everywhere they could to promote releases such as 1989's 'Tough It Out' and 1992's 'Aphrodisiac'. In1996, with 'grunge' fever sweeping the world, the band decided to call it a day... until October 2007, when FM at last played together again for the first time in 12 years, headlining a sold-out Firefest IV at Nottingham Rock City, showcasing new guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick.
This was followed in March 2010 by the release of their much-anticipated sixth studio album 'Metropolis'. The next 4 years saw FM touring extensively including tours with Thin Lizzy, Foreigner and Europe and festivals with acts like Toto, Survivor at Graspop, Sweden Rock, Loreley and Download Festival for the second time. For the first time in their history they also had songs play listed on national radio in the UK including "Story Of My Life' and 'Better Late Than never' on BBC Radio 2.
The new album sees FM staying true to their musical legacy offering their classic sound updated in 2015 with great songwriting and performances and of course the 'golden voice' of Steve Overland. Another gem of an album which is undoubtedly going to please all the fans.
See FM on tour!
Apr 3 Grimsby, Yardbirds UK
Apr 4 Nantwich, Civic Hall Nantwich Jazz Festival UK
Apr 11 Milan Live Club Frontiers Rock Festival Italy
May 1 Bristol Bierkeller UK
May 2 Wolverhampton Robin 2 UK
May 3 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms UK
May 5 Nottingham Rescue Rooms UK
May 6 Glasgow Classic Grand UK
May 8 Newcastle O2 Academy UK
May 9 Manchester Academy 2 UK
May 10 London O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire UK
Jun 21 Dessel Graspop Metal Meeting Belgium
UK rock band FM will premiere the video to new single 'Diggin' Up The Dirt' on Tuesday, 24th February. On the same day, the song will be made available as an Instant Grat track with all iTunes and Amazon pre-orders of FM's new album 'Heroes and Villains'.
FM lead singer Steve Overland says, 'Well, here it is, the brand new video of the lead track from our new album. It's called 'Diggin' Up The Dirt' and it's about sleaze and the gutter press, and how they're not really interested in real news, just celebrity. It's a real FM rock anthem and we had great fun making the video. We hope you enjoy it.'
FM will release their new studio album 'Heroes & Villains' in Europe on 17th April 2015 and on the 21st April in North America - their first album release since signing to Frontiers Music Srl - and embark on a European tour in the Spring.
March 13 Esquires - Bedford, United Kingdom
March 14 HRH AOR 3 - Pwllheli, United Kingdom
April 3 Yardbirds - Grimsby, United Kingdom
April 4 Nantwich Jazz Blues & Music Festival - Nantwich, United Kingdom
April 11 Frontiers Rock Festival - Milan, Italy
May 01 Bierkeller - Bristol, United Kingdom
May 02 Robin 2 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
May 03 Wedgewood Rooms - Southsea, United Kingdom
May 05 Nottingham Rescue Rooms - Nottingham, United Kingdom
May 06 Classic Grand - Glasgow, United Kingdom
May 08 O2 Academy2 Newcastle - Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
May 09 Academy 2 - Manchester, United Kingdom
May 10 O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, United Kingdom
Jun 21 Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, Belgium
Jul 25 Ramblin' Man Fair - Maidstone, United Kingdom
Jul 31 Skogsrjet - Rejmyra, Sweden
Aug 01 Helgefestivalen - Knislinge, Sweden
Legendary British Melodic Rockers FM return with the anticipated new album‘Heroes & Villains’ - Out on Frontiers in April
Arguably the UK’s finest purveyors of Melodic Rock music, FM will release their new studio album ‘Heroes & Villains’ on April 17th in Europe and April 21st in North America.
‘Heroes & Villains’ is FM’s first album release since signing to Frontiers Music Srl, and follows the band’s highly acclaimed 2014 E.P. ‘Futurama’ and sell-out UK arena tour with Foreigner and Europe. FM’s UK tour kicks-off at in Bristol on Friday, 1st May, and includes dates in Wolverhampton, Portsmouth, Nottingham, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester, with the final night of the tour taking place at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Sunday, 10th May and will be anticipated by the band’s eagerly awaited performance at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo sull’Adda (Milan) Italy on April 11th.
The fourth album since FM reformed in 2007, ‘Heroes and Villains’ sees FM staying true to their musical legacy, offering their classic sound updated, with great songwriting and performances spiced-up by the golden voice of lead vocalist Steve Overland. Self-produced, the recording session took place at Tremolo Studios, before being mixed and mastered at Abbey Road Studios.
Looking forward to the release of ‘Heroes and Villains’, Steve Overland said, “I think we have managed to capture the best elements of what the band are about in 2015. We had great fun making the record and we are all very proud of the finished result. There are big rock anthems in tracks like ‘Diggin' Up The Dirt’ and ‘Fire and Rain’, and many melodic songs with FM’s trademark hooks and vocal harmonies. There are also not one, but two ballads. One of these (Walking With Angels) is a stripped-down acoustic song, which is something a little different for us.”
The band’s drummer, Pete Jupp, added, “After our shows in November the band was white hot and the creative juices were in full flow, so the writing and recording process for Heroes and Villains was a prolific and painless affair. We're looking forward to getting back out on tour, straining at the leash.”
Merv Goldsworthy, FM’s bassist, agrees: “All the songs all came together really quickly and the recording of the album went without a hitch. Once we started getting the mixes back of the first few songs we knew we were onto something. Heroes & Villains is a little rockier and a little more up tempo than Rockville, and that suits me fine! I'm really looking forward to touring this album this year - bring it on!”
Guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick confirmed what FM fans already know: “We're on a roll! Some of the tracks on this album are better than anything that the band has ever produced, and Steve’s voice is as good as ever."
Keyboard player Jem Davis, who has given the album a retro sheen by incorporating a Moog, Mellotron and a healthy dose of Hammond organ, is equally excited: “The band is on fire and the new album sounds HUGE! I think this is going to be an amazing year for FM!”
The album EPK can be enjoyed here:
FM – HEROES AND VILLAINS TOUR DATES:
March 13 - Bedford, Esquires UK
March 14 - Pwllheli, HRH AOR 3 - Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park UK
April 3 – Grimsby Yardbirds UK
April 4 – Nantwich, Nantwich Jazz Festival Civic Hall UK
April 11 - Trezzo SUll’Adda (Milano) Frontiers Rock Festival Live Club Italy
May 1 – Bristol, Bierkeller UK
May 2– Wolverhampton, Robin 2 UK
May 3 – Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms UK
May 5 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms UK
May 6 – Glasgow, Classic Grand UK
May 8 – Newcastle, O2 Academy UK
May 9 – Manchester, Academy 2 UK
May 10 – London, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire UK
June 21 –Dessel, Graspop Metal Meeting Belgium
July 25 - Maidstone, Ramblin' Man Fair Mote Park UK
Track by track guide to ‘Heroes and Villains’, by FM guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick
Digging Up The Dirt - A hard-edged song about tabloid sleaze. A track where the band tried to capture a 'big production' sound. We all knew that this was the album opener.
You're The Best Thing About Me - A late contender for the album by Steve that the rest of band loved immediately. It’s a great driving song that harks back to some of FM's earlier material.
Life Is A Highway - Steve brought the original idea to rehearsal and then the band all chipped in to create this inspired melodic rocker. One of the band’s favourites on Heroes And Villains.
Fire And Rain - One of the heavier, riff inspired tracks on the album.
Incredible - The big FM power ballad of the album, this is a song that Steve and Jim originally wrote and then presented to the band to get the FM treatment. The track also features a string quartet.
Call On Me - This song was originally written by Merv many years ago and was recorded at the very first session after FM reformed in 2008 at Metropolis Studios for the then untitled Metropolis album. The band was unhappy with the song until a new chorus was written last year. It’s probably the biggest chorus on the album and another great driving song!
Cold Hearted - A real team effort created this song at a rehearsal. It was the first song recorded for Heroes And Villains and originally debuted on the Futurama EP in 2014. It’s already a live favourite.
Shape I'm In - A song about a guy who falls apart after his wife/girlfriend leaves him. Power-pop with a big chorus.
Big Brother - Another heavy track about the ever-increasing Orwellian world that we live in.
Some Days I Only Wanna Rock And Roll - A fun workout inspired by a great title that Merv had. Listen out for a bit of sax at the end.
I Want You - Originally an idea of Pete's. A great fun, catchy song, definitely old-school FM, and sure to become a fan favourite.
Walking With Angels - A first for FM - no drums or bass, just acoustic guitars, a few keyboards, vocals and a string quartet. A haunting track that shows off Steve Overland's voice a treat.
News from FM and Frontiers Records: "We are thrilled to announce we have signed a new worldwide record deal with Frontiers Music srl. With many great acts on their roster such as TOTO, JOURNEY, STYX, WINGER and SURVIVOR it seemed like a great fit for us and we are really looking forward to working with them on our new album due for release early 2015. Next year promises to be the busiest yet for FM and we are looking forward to playing as many live shows (to be announced soon!) as possible to support our new album
