The Frank and Walters

The Frank and Walters are a pop/rock band from Cork, Ireland.

Career

Founded in 1990, the group (named in honour of two eccentric Cork characters) [ [http://www.discogs.com/artist/Frank+And+Walters,+The Discogs.com - Frank And Walters] ] are Paul Linehan (vocalist/bassist), his brother Niall Linehan (guitarist) (replaced by Kevin Pedreschi in 2004) and Ashley Keating (drums).

Signing to the Setanta label in 1991, [http://www.thefrankandwalters.ie/bio.html thefrankandwalters.ie/bio] ] the group debuted with album "EP1", and the lead track "Fashion Crisis Hits New York" became an indie hit. [ [http://idiot-dog.com/simple-times/text/HotPress990526.html Hot Press magazine - 26 May 1999 - "Trains, Boats And Planes was a ... hit, with singles like ‘Fashion Crisis Hits New York’ ... (in) the top ten."] ] The follow-up album "EP.2" was quickly forthcoming.

Shortly after signing to the "Go! Discs" label, "The Franks" partnered with producer Edwyn Collins to record the "Happy Busman" EP. Success in the UK was not far away, and following a tour in support of Carter USM, an Ian Broudie remix of the LP song, "After All" reached the top twenty in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 11.

After a long sabbatical, the group returned with "Grand Parade" (with contributions from Gus Dudgeon), and the "Indian Ocean" EP in 1997. This was followed with "Beauty Becomes More Than Life" in 1998 and "Glass" in 2000. Setanta released a well received "Best of" in 2002.

In 2004 Niall Linehan left and was replaced by a friend of the band, Kevin Pedreschi. The band signed a new deal with FIFA Records in Ireland, and released a B-sides triple album, "Souvenirs", in October 2005.

The band also released a new album, "Renewed Interest In Happiness", on 27 October 2006.

References

External links

* [http://www.thefrankandwalters.ie/ Official Site]
* [http://www.frankandwalters.net/ Official Fan Site]
* [http://www.musicomh.com/interviews/frank-and-walters.htm The Frank and Walters interview at musicOMH.com]