The FMs Take On Joy Division’s “A Means To An End” & Announce New Album “51122”

The FMs have announced that their new album, 51122, will be released on November 22nd, the album’s title corresponds with May 11th 2022, the day that Frankie Rex, the founding member of The FMs, passed away from a fentanyl overdose. Produced by the legendary David Werner and inspired by lo-fi dream pop, classic new wave and disco, the album follows on from their sophomore full length, Pink & Black, that was released earlier this year. The FMs have also shared their take on Joy Division‘s A Means To An End that is taken from their upcoming album, the band will be celebrating the release of 51122 this November with a record release show in NYC, further details will be revealed shortly.

“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 & 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.

“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.”