Frank And Walters - Glass

The Frankand Walters latest CD, 'Glass', is a bold step forward in the evolution of the Cork-based trio’s sound. Long time fans of their affable alt-pop sound will probably do a double take the minute 'Glass' hits the stereo. Produced by Rob Kirwin and Flood, whose past efforts include work with U2 and Depeche Mode, 'Glass is 'an indie album like none other. Setting the tone for the rest of the album, opening track 'Underground', kicks off with a soaring trance beat that will send shudders of either joy or aversion through the listener. Just before either hands-in-the-air effusion or irritation takes hold, though, Paul Linehan’s enchanting Irish brogue cuts in and the song settles into a compelling fusion of old school Frank and Walters charm with contemporary dance sensibility. Vocalist and songwriter Paul Linehan, and drummer Ashley Keating profess to have discovered their passion for music while listening to the Smiths, Joy Division, and the Cure. So perhaps it is not surprising that much of Glass plays like a twenty-first century ode to eighties synth-pop a la early Echo and the Bunnymen and Depeche Mode. In particular '6 Becomes ', 'Forgiveness' and 'Talking About You' will have music fans of a certain age getting all misty-eyed for the halcyon days of those early electronic experimenters. Far from settling into a nostalgic rut, the Frank and Walters boldly mix their eighties influences with beats and effects unabashedly filched from commercial trance and house music. Along with 'Underground', tracks such as 'Isn’t it Time' and 'I Will Be King' stake their claim for club credibility. But of course, these tunes are hardly likely to wind up on the next 'Ministry…Annual' compilation for the simple reason that they all remain grounded in the shuffling charm of Linehan’s unfashionably optimistic lyrics. The sweet-natured introspection of 'Ancestors' and the vaguely grandiose final track 'Looking for America' offer two sensible explanations for why this album – good as it is – may be hard to swallow for either navel-gazers, or euphoria chasing club kids. Going boldly where few self-confessed “indie” bands ever venture is certainly a gutsy move, and in a perfect world the Frank and Walters audacity would be richly rewarded. Those, however, who turn to Glass for the dance-inducing trance stimulation will probably be bored by the gentle vocal ramblings. And those who admire the Frank & Walters for their solid guitar-pop sound may well be put off by the electronic noodling. Hopefully, though, loyal fans will avoid rushing to unnecessary conclusions. This careful, captivating juxtaposition of indie music and dance music is no mean feat, and by accomplishing it this CD may well be the wave of the future. Though its genre-bending tendencies may leave partisans perhaps somewhat dissatisfied, the enticing concoction that is 'Glass' represents a major achievement in musical experimentation.

Track Listing:-

1 Underground
2 Isn't It Time
3 New York
4 6 Becomes 9
5 Sinking
6 Talking About You
7 Paradise
8 Ancestors
9 Forgiveness
10 Facing Silence
11 I Will Be King
12 Looking For America