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Since
their discovery in 1990 by the ever-productive and hugely credible Setanta
Records The Frank & Walters have lived life at unfamiliar breakneck
speed: constant gigging, a move to London, a switch to a major label, and
an accumalation of constant praise wherever they raised their lovely heads.
After a year of constant touring of the UK & Europe, they headlined
the second stage at Reading Festival in August 1993 flying high on the back
of their much acclaimed debut album Trains, Boats & Planes and the release
of four E.P.'s which culmanated in the single 'After All' reacing No.11
in the UK Charts. Opting to take a break from the hurly-burly of London
Town, at this point, The Franks returned home to their hometown of Bishopstown,
Co. Cork. In early 1994, Paul began writing new material and the band resolved
to make an album at their own speed. Building up a selection of twenty tracks,
The Franks went into September Sound (the Twickenham studios of the Cocteau
Twins) with producer Dave Couse (from now sadly defunct A-House. The result
was a brand new album The Grand Parade. Record company problems exploded
on the scene, however, causing chaos in the preamble to the release of the
album. Disillusioned with the whole affair The Franks clicked their heels
three times deciding: "There's no place like Setanta!" Back on
the right track 1996 saw The Franks head out on an acoustic tour with The
Divine Comedy. |
The
judgement was a resoundingly favourable one with the new songs provoking
just as much acclaim as 'Fashion Crisis Hits New York' and 'This Is Not
A Song'. Every bit as colourful and instant as their previous material,
The Franks new songs show even more pride and honesty in their self evident
love of life and all that stuff. Back then, they were the friendliest
pop group in the world; manic, eccentric, and surreal. Now fierce out
of Cork, The Franks return to us, older and wiser but still friendly.
In 1997 The Frank & Walters are happy to be judged by the strength
of their songs. The new lifetime of The Frank & Walters began with
the release of 'Colours' in March 1997. It continued apace with their
new album Grand Parade which was released on 30 June 1997 to an overwhelming
response. Welcome back Frank & Walters! Bass/Vocals - Paul Linehan
Guitar - Niall Linehan
Drums - Ashley Keating
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