New York City based synth-rock band The FMs have released their junior album 51122, a commemorative project for their late member Frankie Rex.
Originally a musical partnership between high school friends Matte Namer and Frankie Rex, The FMs have curated a tight-knit community over the years with their synth-infused sound, unapologetically queer narratives, and underground shows held atop a ferry boat in the industrial canals of Bushwick.
Not only did the ferry shows introduce many to the sound of The FMs, the boat provided the duo a space to record and self-produce three full-length LPs. Debuting in 2017 with Machinacene Epoch, The FMs quickly established their ethos of a rather traditional album creation process in which each release exists with its own personality and sonic statement.
PINK + BLACK, the duo’s sophomore double-LP began taking shape quickly after Machinacene Epoch’s release in 2017 and saw promising progress into 2020, amassing 2,000 hours of recording, producing, and tinkering. However, PINK + BLACK was delayed after the news of a devastating loss. Frankie Rex passed away from an overdose in 2022, understandably putting the project on pause as the loss was processed.
This was not the end for The FMs, however. Matte Namer was determined to continue Rex’s legacy and prove that not even death could stop Frankie’s voice from being heard- a sentiment that came to fruition with the posthumous release of PINK + BLACK in 2024, which was met with acclaim from critics and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations like GLAAD.
In preparation for this new chapter of The FMs, Namer gathered Ithaca-based trans musicians Bubba Crumrine on guitars, Basim Hussain on synths and keys, and Nick Scollard on drums. Now reformed, The FMs have returned for their newest album, 51122.
The title coincides with the date of Rex’s passing, and in many ways is a simultaneous goodbye and thank you to Rex’s incredible contributions to the band and the world as an artist throughout their life and musical career. 51122 contains the last recordings of Frankie’s voice to be published ever, including in a pre-release single that came in the form of a Joy Division cover– a tribute to one of the original duo’s favorite bands and Frankie’s favorite track of theirs.
“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
With influences ranging from lo-fi all the way to disco, 51122 is a dreamy, gritty, synth-y collection that stands as an undeniable testament to how far the band has come while simultaneously honoring where and with whom it all began.
Tracks like “You Feel Like God” and “A Means To An End” take listeners on a guitar-infused synth adventure through space and complex interpersonal relationships, while songs like the rock-ballad “Deviant” reflect upon and reject concepts of deviance and societal other-ing over acoustic guitar and floating piano.
“Domino” cuts to the bone with unforgettable vocals, gritty guitars, and a sharp bass line, putting what The FMs can do when they lean full-on into the punk sound on full display- and the impact is undeniably felt.
Throughout 51122, the skills of Namer, Rex, Crumrine, Hussain, and Scollard are on full display- not a moment goes by where there’s a lack of sonic interest. Whether it be a dystopic cyber-future like in “Future Pope” or the wistful nostalgia of “Record Store”, each track off of the album paints a vivid picture effortlessly. 51122 is above all a triumph- a sign that The FMs will go on, and so will Frankie Rex and their unrelenting musical spirit.
In celebration of 51122’s release, The FMs have announced a set of album release parties on November 22 and 23. On Friday the 22, the band will pay a visit to Angry Mom Records in Ithaca, and on the 23 they’ll grace the stage of Berlin in Manhattan for a joint album release party and queer rock showcase. To learn more about these shows and how to attend, check out The FMs’ tour page here.
To learn more about The FMs, listen to their past releases, and keep up to date with all of their future ventures, be sure to explore their official website here.
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