THE Frank & Walters current Irish Tour hits 10 John Street in Waterford next Saturday 18th November. The tour also takes in major shows at The Olympia in Dublin and The Savoy in Cork, reflecting the current level of interest in The Franks who were one of Ireland’s big success stories in the UK charts of the 1990s. Back then they had a young Noel Gallagher as their road-ie and were supported by the likes of Radiohead and Suede on their UK tours. The 2006 tour follows on from the release of their brand new studio album ‘A Renewed Interest In Happiness’, another masterclass of pristine and melodic Indie Pop. The album and in particular the lead single ‘Miles and Miles’ encapsulates all that is great about Indie music, being chock full of addictive choruses, uplifting melodies and supremely positive messages, delivered by masters of the art. The lads will also be playing all their best known songs from the last decade, so you can expect a glorious night of sing along indie pop. Support on the night comes from the wonderful Ilya K.
The Frank & Walters have earned their internationally recognized title of “The Indie Pop Pioneers”. Their first three EPs: ‘Walters Trip’, ‘Fashion Crisis Hits New York’ and ‘Happy Busman’ all made Single of The Week in NME and Melody Maker simultaneously, which is a feat unmatched by any other artist to this day. This initial success was quickly followed up with the release of their now iconic debut album, ‘Trains, Boats and Planes’, a record that had world-wide success and is probably best remembered for giving us the unforgettable single ‘After All’. Three more albums followed in quick succession: ‘Grand Parade’, ‘Beauty Becomes More Than Life’ and ‘Glass’ as did a string of hit singles: ‘Colours’, ‘Indian Ocean’, ‘Plenty Times’ and ‘Under-ground’.
‘A Renewed Interest In Happiness’, is the first new Frank & Walters record in six years. It is the band’s fifth studio album and it follows hot on the heels of their Meteor Award Nominated album ‘Souvenirs’ and their ‘Special Edition Best Of’, two recent releases on the band’s new record label FIFA Records, whose success has paved the way for a new era in the career of one of Ireland’s most successful acts. Tickets for the gig at Ten are on sale now at BPM records, Sinnotts, 0818-719300, www.ticketmaster.ie and on the door at TEN
