From the outset of this review, I have to make the point that I’m a fan. A total and utter devotee in the church of FM/Steve Overland. There’s no way I can be truly objective about “Future Miracles” and refuse to apologise.

“Future Miracles” is a recording of the songs the mighty FM didn’t use, written by Steve and Chris Overland during the classic FM years. Let’s get one thing straight; this is Melodic Rock, pure and simple. No pretensions, just well crafted songs, superbly sprinkled with the Overland magic. Rumour had it that, this was supposed to be the FM comeback album. A reformation that for some reason didn’t happen. Original drummer, Pete Jupp, did the decent thing and jumped back into the studio. Bob Skeat and Vinny Burns supplied the bass and guitar parts.

And hence we have this album of pure class. This is the album of the year, without any shadow of doubt. Overland is a genius, every song has the classic FM sound, spanning their career from “Indiscreet” (1986) to “Paraphernalia” (1996) and yet having a definite relevance in 2004/5. Music like this is timeless, silky smooth production, quality musicianship and the Voice. And what a voice, Steve Overland has an immeasurable talent. One day soon the world will wake up to the fact that he is without doubt one of the greatest vocal talents this country has ever produced.

Difficult to pick out high points on the album, it’s like a collection of Greatest Not-Yet Hits, “Baby Blue” and “All I Ever Really Wanted” do stand out though, “All..” would be a classic live sing along. “Say It Like Is” has the instant hook chorus and “Closer To Your Heart” is just classic FM.

I don’t yet know what the future plans are for The Ladder, whether as a live act or a band who will record in the future and let’s not forget that Overland also has his other project, “Shadowman”. So Stevie-boy is busy, with a huge body of wonderful music to draw from as a live entity. It is a personal hope that we will see him live in the near future.

On a further personal note, I have a question. About a million years ago, FM had a single called “Bad Luck” taken from their 1989 opus “Tough It Out”. On the B-side of the 7-inch (remember them?) there was a track called “This Could Be The Last Time”. This was one FM’s best songs and it never appeared on an FM album, so why-o-why does it not appear on this new collection. Sort it out Mr Overland, please. Pretty please.

“Future Miracles” does exactly what it says on the tin, Miracles for now and the future. Buy this album and bask in it’s AOR majesty

Steve Atkinson