corkish indie men
The Frank and Walters: Souvenirs
“Souvenirs” is the new album from Irish indie pop rock act
“The Frank and Walters”. The cork based trio began making music in
the early nineties and released four albums over the course of the decade. With
simplistic catchy songs spreading cheer and optimism they became popular in
England and Ireland, appearing on Top of the Pops and occasionally entering the
UK and Irish charts. “Souvenirs” and their new single “You
Asked Me” have both made it into the Irish top ten, proving their
continuing relevance and loyal fan-base. A tour is already underway and
“The Frank and Walters” will be paying Galway a visit on November
5th in the Roisin Dubh.
“Souvenirs” is a double album with new songs and some old reworked
songs. The opening track “New York”, is a haunting song, Paul
Linehan's dreamy vocals are backed by sturdy drums and melodic guitars. The
pace of the album is picked up by “Pathways”, “Last Train
Home” and other addictive, upbeat songs. An alternative version of
“How Can I Exist?” from their second album is one of the highlights
and comparisons with The Smiths would be easy to make. However, their own
unique sound is evident. “You Asked Me”, the lead single, is a
catchy and charming song.
Disc Two holds some great treats, namely covers of the Monkees' “I'm a
Believer” and “Cemetry Gates” by the Smiths. “Funky
Cold Medina” is a cool funky track with matching vocals. However the
second disk lags in places and lacks the continuity of the first disc. Perhaps
the b-sides and rarities might appeal more to fans.
Regardless of these minor complaints the album as a whole is a satisfying
package: there is a video on each disk and an additional album can be
downloaded from the band's website courtesy a password in the sleeve. Since I
haven't actually downloaded this album I cannot comment on it, but if it
follows in the same vein as “Souvenirs” I'd be happy. As someone
with very limited previous experience of The Frank and Walters I was pleasantly
surprised by this album.
“Souvenirs” is available in all good music stores. “The Frank
and Walters” play the Roisin Dubh on November 5th.
