Re-upped: FM - City of Fear (1980)

Unless you're from Canada or just a geek for obscure prog, the name FM will probably not ring a bell. Not to be confused with the UK artists of the same name, this band was formed in Ottawa in the early 70's and went on to release a string of critically acclaimed albums before splitting numerous times in the 80's and 90's. The earliest and most widely recognized lineup featured Cameron Hawkins (vocals/bass/synths), Martin Deller (drums/percussion) and renaissance weirdo Nash the Slash (viola/electric mandolin). This lineup recorded the excellent "Black Noise" album in 1977 only to find Nash embarking on a solo career the following year. In his absence, the now famous songwriter Ben Mink was drafted as his replacement.

Like the previous FM entry here, this also featured Ben Mink. In fact, this was to be his last recording with the band before the return of Nash the Slash a few years later. Personally, I consider this to be the band's finest album. Though it is noticeably more commercial, the excess has been stripped away, resulting in an album full of compact hook driven neo progressive rock. Cameron Hawkins puts in his finest vocal performance ever laid to tape and Mink's sinewy electric mandolin playing brings a very dissonant vibe to the proceedings. The album as a whole is very dark, which compliments the bands sound very well.

Like most of the band's repertoire, this has never been issued on CD. A fire at Passport Records' storage vault destroyed everything within, including the masters to "City of Fear". Considering that this album will likely never see digital conversion, this particular download will be a pleasant surprise for fans. Ripped from pristine vinyl, here it is...."City of Fear".

224kbps @ http://lix.in/-307ba4