If you're basking in glorious sunshine with a cold beer in your hand, what more could you possibly need? Music, of course, and this imperious melodic rock album will complete that picture. It practically has 'soundtrack to your summer' burnt into its DNA.
In many ways, this is a microcosm of FM's output since they reformed in 2007. It's incredibly classy, all-killer-no-filler, and confidently moves forward without abandoning past glories. In fact, 'Heroes And Villains' feels like a 'best of', such is its proud mixture of the band's various eras.
There's classic ‘80s AOR via Shape I'm In - a giddy slice of pop-rock – and the sugar rush of Call On Me, while their bluesy ‘90s bent is represented by Fire And Rain, which samples Joe Cocker's Woman To Woman and throws in a surprisingly funky rhythm.
Cold Hearted, meanwhile, blends everything together in one cracking cut, with ballsy blues-rock riffage, elastic funk verses and a stonking hard rock hook designed to be hurled at a selfish ex. Talking of which, even though this is meant to be a melodic record, their strength is almost superhuman.
It's a challenge for any act in this genre to avoid sounding dated, but by adding some timely social commentary FM have mastered the recipe. Both the outstanding Digging Up The Dirt and Big Brother swagger with tough guitars and twinkling keys, but the band plant them in 2015 by venting about the gutter press and abuse of privacy.
It's far from a serious affair though, and balances angst with some good old fashioned staples. Singer Steve Overland is in typically masterful form on bar room boogie Somedays I Only Wanna Rock and Roll and You're The Best Thing About Me, a passionate love letter to that special someone a la vintage DefLeppard.
The addition of Jim Kirkpatrick on lead guitar continues to be a masterstroke as his touch and feel – particularly on the soaring Life Is A Highway – are a sublime throwback to a halcyon time where solos truly captivated.
No FM album would be complete without some tear jerkers, and Incredible and Walking With Angels are both top class. The former is the big power ballad with its swollen chorus and lighter-waving sway, while the latter seduces with ethereal harmonies and gorgeous strings.
'Heroes And Villains' is another diamond from a band whose remarkable Indian summer continues. At a time when similar acts from the ‘80s have lost their hunger and spark, FM are arguably in the best damn form of their career.
FM Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri May 01 2015 - BRISTOL Bierkeller
Sat May 02 2015 - WOLVERHAMPTON Robin
Sun May 03 2015 - PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
Tue May 05 2015 - NOTTINGHAM Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Wed May 06 2015 - GLASGOW Classic Grand
Fri May 08 2015 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 Academy Newcastle
Sat May 09 2015 - MANCHESTER Academy
Sun May 10 2015 - LONDON O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
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