Following the announcement of their next album, 51122, NYC-based punk rock band The FMs have released the album’s first single, a cover of Joy Division’s “A Means to an End”.
Formed by founding members Matte Namer and Frankie Rex in 2016, The FMs’ foundations and legacy thus far are unapologetically punk and unapologetically queer. Brought together by the shared experiences of coming out as transgender and shared adoration for synthesizers, the two realized their debut LP Machinacene Epoch, released in 2017. The band’s performances quickly took on the same counter-culture personality their sound contained- forming a tight knit community around their SVBVERT shows on a ferry boat in the industrial canals of Bushwick, where they would continue to perform and produce in the years following.
After the success of their commitment to a more traditional approach to music making with their first release and 2,000 hours in the studio, The FMs had created their next double-LP, PINK + BLACK. With its own personality, PINK + BLACK marked a softer and more personal point in the duo’s sound. Tragically, prior to the release of such a deeply personal labor of love, Rex passed away from a fentanyl overdose. This aching loss put a pause on the project, but two years later Namer decided to release the work posthumously- ultimately, not even death could stop Frankie Rex’s voice from being heard.
After the release of PINK + BLACK and recognition from names including the GLAAD foundation, Namer reformed the FMs in Ithaca, introducing trans musicians Bubba Crumrine on guitar, Basim Hussain on synth and keys, and Nick Scollard on drums. PINK + BLACK and the new line up made their debut at the first- ever Frankie Fest, a tribute to Frankie Rex and fundraiser for Chosen Family Law Center.
The FM’s upcoming release, 51122, is another tribute to Rex- the title corresponding with May 11, 2022, the day they passed. A nod to one of the founding duo’s favorite bands, as well as Rex’s favorite song of theirs, A Means to an End is the lead single of the album.
Composed of demos recorded years prior, the album’s producer David Werner simplified and elevated the track, doing both the original song and Rex’s voice justice. Containing likely some of the final recordings of their vocals that will be released, A Means To an End and the FM’s upcoming album is not a quiet goodbye to Rex- it is a bold reminder to the world that they will not be forgotten, immortalized both by their own voice and their band’s never-ending love.
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.”
– Matte Namer
Following the release of 51122 this November, The FMs will celebrate with a record release show in New York City. More details will be revealed shortly. To keep up to date, visit their website here.
To pre-order or pre-save 51122, please visit here.
