New York-based act The FMs has returned to the airwaves with a new release and a cover of a Joy Division classic.
We first met this talented band with the release of their sophomore album, PINK + BLACK, which was met with acclaim from NY Daily News, MetroWeekly, GLAAD, Mundane Magazine, New Noise Magazine, and beyond.
The band was formed in 2016 by high school friends Matte Namer (vox, guitar, bass, synths) and Frankie Rex (vox, guitar). After the tragic loss of Frankie from a fentanyl overdose, Matte reformed The FMs with trans musicians Bubba Crumrine (guitars), Basim Hussain (synths, keys), and Nick Scollard (drums).
This week, the FMs announced the release of 51122, which is coming out on November 22. It was produced by the legendary David Werner and is inspired by lo-fi dream pop, classic new wave, and disco. The title 51122 corresponds with May 11, 2022 – the day that Frankie passed away. The album’s first single is a cover of Joy Division’s “A Means to an End” which is now available to stream.
Discussing the lead single, Matte Namer shares, “Frankie and I were for years tossing around doing a cover song but could never agree on the right one. We’ve always been into Joy Division and actually covered ‘She’s Lost Control’ in our first band. One day I asked Frankie what their favorite Joy Division song was and he said, ‘A Means to an End’ and I was like, let’s just do that. I went off the rails on this synth and digi drums-only arrangement trying to harness the chaotic unexpected nature of JD. Frankie did this mind-blowing performance, maybe my favorite thing we’ve ever recorded of their voice in three takes. Our producer for 51112, David Werner, then took our demos, simplified them a bit in a way and put his own spin on a few things that ultimately elevated the recording quite significantly.”
About the new album, they note: “I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud and excited for an album release. There’s an identity and flow to these ten songs that feel like our most developed work thus far. We got to work with David Werner who understood our music and energy and how to elevate it and direct it. It’s also a bit somber being the last music that I think will ever be released with Frankie’s incredible, powerful, unique voice. I think there’s something about that that makes me remember they are really gone, like an orchid blooming from a coffin nail. 51122 is the date Frankie passed away but is also a type of symbol in a way, or perhaps a word. I’m not sure what that meaning is yet, perhaps the orchid needs to grow.”
The FMs will celebrate the release of 51122 this November with a record release show in NYC. Further details will be revealed shortly.
Pre-order 51122 here. Keep up with The FMs on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and their Official Site.
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