Luke Morley Walking On Water Album Review central press pr

Review By Darren McIntyre

Luke Morley is a guitarist and chief songwriter & producer best known as a member of rock band Thunder who has been active since 1985. Before that he formed rock band Terraplane who went onto become Thunder, the band went their seperate ways in 2009 and Luke along with Peter Shoulder went onto form rock band The Union with whom her recorded 3 albums. Luke also has a solo career and brought us his first solo record El Gringo Retro way back in 2001, we waited anither 22 years before Luke brought us the follow up Songs From The Blue Room and to keep the momentum going Luke brings us his highly anticipated 3rd album Walking On Water which I will be reviewing for you today.

Natural High – A shredding power riff lets rip as Luke brings his unmistakeable vocals to this punchy rock n roll bruiser as this track bubbles to the surface perfectly. The rhythm section comes through and brings a solid beat that works so well with this crisp, clean arrangement that really allows Luke to bring us a cool, funky bluesy rocker track that gives us a funky bassline that drops in with sweet, meaty funk grooves that really let the track move, the guitar licks are sweet and full of swagger as this toe tapping number really lets Luke kick on and pick up where he left off with this smouldering track that just allows us to sit back and feel the beat wash over us and take us to another place as we feel the urge to get up and hit the repeat button on this stylish opener which just ticks all the boxes.

Walking On Water – A rasping, gritty guitar riff brings this track to our attention as the punchy bass kicks really let the rhythm section control the beat as this blues beast comes at us. Luke lets his killer gravelly vocals lead the way as we get a real cool groove wandering through this catchy riff laden number, the cool, dark, delicious bassline leans in and hands us a groove beat that is just awesome as it leads this killer arrangement off down the road. The whole track is just a real cool tone that instantly puts you at ease as we roll through the mid section with a gritty, raspy guitar lick that builds and builds all through the piece as we feel the energy oozing from Luke & band as they really give us a chunky full on toe tapping groover that just gets you in the mmod for a good ol boogie as the funking beat grabs a hold of you.

Breathe – A sweet little guitar tone opens the track as the snare drum taps let the rhythm section lead the way as this cool rocking track builds with ease as Luke lets his vocals do the talking. The guys have really nailed the concept of this record with killer lyrics and full melodies that just lift the arrangement as the tone just grabs us and allows us to be swept away with the incredible tone, depth and attitude that is really put into this fantastic track. The sizzling guitar licks are just simmering under the surface as we feel the magnetism oozing from this soft, brooding offering as Luke’s soulful blues laden vocals lead the way in this spellbinding track that is kicking the doors off the hinges as the groove grabs a hold of us.

Texas – Acoustic strumming tones ooze from the intro as harmonica notes make themselves known to us as the foot stomping beat gets our attention from the getgo. The rhythm section is delivering a full groove kick as the snare drum beats let the tempo rise as this finger clicking number really lets the track breathe as Luke brings his cool, melodic vocals to us as this groover begins to warm up, the composition is a real slick, laid back affair as the boys find their groove and really sock it to us with this real melodic piece that just lets us settle into our chair, grab a cold one and feel the tempo drive this bluesr laden country bruiser leave it’s mark upon us as we just move with this fantastic tone that is running through the whole arrangement as Luke and the boys nail the whole track with their incredible musicality.

Always A Saturday Night – A slick, mellow guitar lick pours from the intro as the rhythm section controls the tone of this punchy groove laden number as Luke lets his killer vocals lead the way. The funking bassline drops in with cool, deep tones that work so well in this epic number that just allows us to feel the energy pouring through the track that brings us a killer groove that is littered with crisp riffs and incredible lyrics that let the track breathe as Luke leans in with a killer guitar riff. The boys are giving us a real groove laden number that is just building as Luke delivers a faultless vocal that just reminds you of a Saturday Night down the pub.

Gun To Your Head – Cool Hammond style keys flow in as lap steel tones work well alongside acoustic strumming chords that really let the track open and roll through the intro. Luke comes in with real gravelly vocals that fit the arrangement perfectly as the boys come in with a cool snare drum beat that is accompanied by a solid bass kick that really lets the rhythm flow, the dark, mellow bassline hits us with solid, funky tones that really wrap themselves around the track as the tempo builds and builds as we just sit back and feel the tone take this track upwards as the mellow backing vocals add depth to this exciting track that is just letting us know that Luke is kicking in the doors with his incredible album that ticks all the boxes.

Snakeskin Parachute – A rocking groove shatters the silence as this crunching guitar laden rock n roller really grabs our attention as the shredding licks really let this track give it to us bigtime. The rhythm section is commanding the room with it’s punchy snare drum beats that come armed with cymbal snaps that really get us up on our feet as this delicious groover really socks it to us, we have a huge smile on our face as Luke and the boys deliver incredible track after track that will have you reaching for the repeat button for sure as a slick, crisp guitar salvo hits us with all it’s might as we are getting down with this funk laden rock n roll classic that really lets us feel the energy Luke and the boys are putting into every track on this fantastic record, we are spoilt for choice with this sensational record that just gets better and better.

Forever & Again – Soothing, mellow, soulful vocals hit us head on as the acoustic strumming chord let this track run free as we feel the emotion coming at us as Luke lets his soulful vocals lead the way. Piano tones are littered throughout the track and really add depth to this rocking ballad as the groove grabs a hold of us and really lets us feel the melodies running freely through the arrangement, the sweet, crisp guitar licks are taking the track to another place as the boys just build and build as this toe tapping mellow arrangement really works. The rhythm section is coming through and really settles the groove into a real killer tone that is just perfect.

Bullets – We return to our crunching best with a real heavy ended groove that is kicking in the doors as this foot stomping bruiser really leaves it’s mark on us as we throw our fists in the air.and really celebrate this incredible record that is just putting a huge smile on our faces. There is a killer riff flowing effortlessly through the track as the boys flick the switch and hit us with a real groove laden track that allows Luke to unleash his gravelly vocals that work perfectly in this thumping track that is a real return to form for this well travelled journeyman as he brings together a fine bunch of musicians that just give us everything they have. The killer Hammond style keys are adding depth to this epic track that comes in with a rasping guitar riff that leaves us begging for more let me tell you.

Dont You Cry Now – A cool, slick guitar tone brings the track to our attention as the snare drum taps let the groove flow freely through the intro as Luke leans in with his incredible vocals to let the track tell it’s own story. Keys are littered throughout the arrangement and really lift the tone of this haunting, bluesy track that just slows down the tempo of the track as the deep, dark bassline wraps itself around the track and really delivers a soulful, moody beat that lets us grab our lady and accompany her to the dancefloor and really take her on a journey to feel the real emotion oozing from this incredible track, a sweet, melodic guitar solo oozes through the mid section as we just stand in awe of this fantastic arrangement that has been laid before us that just oozes quality, attitude and soul as Luke and the boys really take us on that journey with this haunting, blues related track.

In Your Light – Acoustic strumming chords ease from the intro as a cool, mellow bassline slips in and really takes the track onwards as we allow ourselves to be moved by the sheer quality of this record. We are not only feeling the tone we are living it with Luke and the boys as he just delivers a thought provoking album that has ballads, rock track and good ol stomping blues related track that is just the full package, the album is testament to Luke and his incredible songwriting that just takes us along for the ride and lets us feel how Luke feels when he put this incredible album together. The acoustic strumming chords are incredible as we flow effortlessly through the album and lose ourselves in the quality, musicianship that has been brought together with this incredible line up that has been assembled before us. We have been presented with a solid slab of incredible writing that is plain to hear in this heartwarming album that just takes you on the journey with Luke and the boys as they deliver something special in this record.

Luke Morley –

Luke Morley – Vocals / Guitar / Bass

Sam Tanner – Keys

Rhys Morgan – Drums

Carly Greene – Backing Vocals

Julie Maguire – Backing Vocals

Track Listing –

Natural High

Walking On Water

Breathe

Texas

Always A Saturday Night