The Train Walkers were a four-piece rock band from Tallaght, Dublin, formed in 1988. The original line-up was Paul Bogler - vocals, John Prendergast - guitar, Mark Wills - bass, and John Ritchie - drums.
Within weeks of forming, the band's first demo was receiving national airplay on the Dave Fanning Show. The addictively catchy Seen It All, and melodic noise-fest Walls, were also the highlights of the band's early live appearances, most of which took place at Dublin's Underground, and Baggot Inn. Yet, despite their early success, musical differences between band and singer led to Paul Bolger's departure at the beginning of 1989.
Instead of recruiting a new singer, bassist Mark Wills took over vocal duties, while friend of the band, Fintan Doyle came on board as second guitarist.
The results of the revamped line-up's first recording session, showed that the band had changed in all but name, as 'in-your-face rockers' were replaced by a more subtle and layered sound. One thing didn't change, however, the songs were as gloriously melodic as ever.
The band's profile was enhanced by their appearance on two compilation albums released in Spring '89. Both the Danceline and Comet collections were supposed to contain two tracks by the group, Girl I Used To Know, and Kit Kat on Danceline, and I Want You , and Mirror on Comet. However, I Want You was accidentally omitted from the Comet album, though not from the sleeve credits. Ironically the track was chosen as the album's highlight by the Hot Press, whose reviewer had received an advance, and complete, copy.
In early Summer, the band recorded Wrap It Up, Stay Away, And Pigs Might Fly!, and Lighthouse for a memorable session for the Fanning programme. They were then gripped by competition fever. Girl I Used to Know was placed fifth, out of 250 entries, in a song contest run by the state broadcaster. They also travelled to Cork to compete in The Hot Press, 'Band Of '89 Competition', where they lost out to a Dundalk reggae band.
After this, the band made only the odd headline appearance, and seemed content to play the occasional guest spot. These appearances, supporting bands such as Into Paradise and Giant, were possibly their best performances, yet there was a sense that the group was winding down.
To regain the momentum, a single release was planned, and in November '89 the band entered the studio to record Martha's Heart, A Thousand Days, and Summer Song. However, they deemed the recordings not to be of the desired quality, and abandoned plans for the release.
Despite continuing to rehearse sporadically for the next six months, the band never played live again. In the end, there was no big split, things just seemed to come to a natural stop.
The Train Walkers were not the future of Rock 'N' Roll - far from it - but the recordings these shambolic underachievers left behind capture an innocence and enthusiasm that was rare then, and remains so now. Had they continued, they would undoubtedly have produced better recordings, but, in many ways, they could never have been as good again.