Graham Reid | | 1 min read
See Me Flying
From time to time Elsewhere will single out a recent release we recommend on vinyl, like this which comes with full credits, photos and background notes about the concept on the inner sleeve.
Check out Elsewhere's other Recommended Record picks . . .
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There are some highly successful business models in New Zealand music, among them the Phoenix Foundation, Six60 and the Loop Recordings conglomerate which seems to have tapped into exactly what the majority of younger listeners want to hear from bands like L.A.B., Corrella and Fly My Pretties.
FMP are interesting in that they are concept of a band, one with many moving parts (guest vocalists and players) and they take their time so that when a new album appears so does a specific stage presentation.
FMP understand that a concert should be an event, not just a gig timed around an album release.
Their concerts have a sense of occasion.
Five years on since their last album and FMP collective helmed by Laughton Kora and Barnaby Weir manage yet another reinvention, with guests.
This seventh album moves from te reo Māori soul on Kāwai and Everflowing's grinding downbeat rock (both with singer Aja) to groove-riding hands-in-the-air dance pop (See Me Flying with Louis TM), and finger-snap/walking bass Peggy Lee sensuality (Red Flags with raunchy Taylah). And the incendiary Fire Fighting (Taylah again).
Message music too: AIE with Tawaz affirming for those who don't have te reo; the bilingual Tie It Together (with a jazz piano solo by Nigel Patterson) about unifying people; acceptance of hard times on the chugging rock The Boldest Truth.
Theatrical, skillfully arranged, spirited neo-soul – and more – with the FMP mark of quality.
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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here
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