There’s a line in the press material that the PR people sent with “Old Habits Die Hard” that makes you stop and think: “We really looked at what made the most popular FM albums great and tried to focus on that” says singer Steve Overland.
So maybe it shouldn’t come as a shock that within two minutes of the opening, FM have done what makes them so good.
“Out Of The Blue”, is confident, classy, brilliantly sung and played.
Then there’s the chorus. FM are deceptive, their songs creep up on you. Then you try and get them out of your head.
And they’ve been doing it for 40 years. Just like that.
Its vibe is rather understated, and that’s sort of true for most of these. Less “That Girl” and more “Love Lies Dying” you might say, but “Don’t Need Another Heartache” does it all again. You listen to Bon Jovi stinking the place out with their new stuff and contrast it with this.
A word too for Jim Kirkpatrick. His guitar playing is stunning – there’s a touch of Lizzy about it here, and “No Easy Way Out” like the others benefit from his skill.
“Lost” finds a thicker groove, in keeping with its air of reflection, stoicism perhaps, but “Whatever It Takes” goes out to anyone who can’t forget her. The harmonies stack high, and it’s a melodic rock masterclass. It very nearly decides that “I ain’t missing you at all” but not quite.
Right in the middle of this is the departure they’re always good for. “Black Water” adds the blues to the mix. Thunder could do this with no problem, and Kirkpatrick reckons the solo is a Brian May impersonation. Whatever, it’s a centrepiece and a highlight rolled into one.
And Overland, what of him? The voice is perfect. It all sounds so effortless. “Cut Me Loose” deserves a gold disc, and he sounds like he enjoyed himself and they all did on “Leap Of Faith” which is just as indiscreet as they would have been in 1986, if you see what I mean.
I’ve listened to “…..Hard” a lot this week, and listening to “California” was somewhat ironic on Monday when it was cold, drizzly and the traffic jam snaked halfway through the West Midlands it seemed. The warm breeze of escape wouldn’t have had to blow too hard that day.
“Another Day In My World” happily updates the sound and brings it into 2024, and the last one “Blue Sky Mind” has just a tinge of Status Quo about its guitar, but more serious things to think about than going down, down deeper and down. Written by keysman Jem Davis and addressing his cancer diagnosis, the fact it’s a message of hope set to music is made all the better by the fact he’s had the all-clear.
It’s been a tough time since the last album a couple of years back. Chris Overland (founder member and Steve’s brother) died last year, just two days before Jim Kirkpatrick’s friend and collaborator Bernie Marsden did.
Music heals, though. We all know that, and FM sound just as they ever did here.
The phrase “just as they ever did” is apt as well. Lots has changed in 40 years, but one thing that hasn’t is FM.
One of the most consistent – and best – bands we’ve ever had, and here “Old Habits Die Hard” indeed.
Rating 9/10
REVIEW: FM – OLD HABITS DIE HARD (2024)
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