Lots of us will know Craig Walker from much-loved Dublin band Power of Dreams, formed by Craig and his brother Keith in the late 1980s while they were schoolkids. The Power of Dreams’ debut album, Immigrants, Emigrants and Me, was such a critical hit that the band veered onto the cusp of serious international success for a couple of years, before receding from the limelight and eventually splitting up.
Walker carried on working in music in various guises, mainly in London. Now living in Ireland, he has released his first solo album. Repeated listens uncover a wealth of subtleties and nuances and oodles of variety. From the heartwarming opener ‘Summertime’ on the dominant mood is upbeat and happy, but it’s obvious from the lyrics that Walker has been through his share of woes. Journeying from romantic bliss to a deep sense of loss, ‘Photograph’ is a powerful statement of unconditional love. The title track Siamese’ makes a similar journey from infatuation to regret. But it is all captured in music that is inherently brimming with life and positivity. A fine record.
Adrienne Murphy
Key Track: ‘Bright Lights‘