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Song

Walking On Water

Artist

Luke Morley

Luke Morley backstory

Best known as the brains behind seminal British blues rockers Thunder, Luke Morley’s a man of many talents.

Currently found flanking old buddy Spike in the retro-fitted Quireboys, he was also key to the success of much-missed Pete Shoulder collab The Union.

But there’s more.

Morley’s filling his downtime during Thunder’s hiatus by reinventing himself as a cool-as-ice solo artist, evoking Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and a stripped-back David Bowie.

2023’s Songs From The Blue Room laid Luke’s cards on the table and we adored that record’s heady mix of ‘hazy Americana and faithful indie folk’ all wrapped up in emotive blues.

Now a second instalment’s in the works.

Morley might have a 35-year career with Thunder under his belt — a stint that bagged the singer songwriter seven Top 10 albums and 18 Top 40 singles.

But the ever-evolving muso has never been one to rest on his laurels.

And after Songs From The Blue Room peaked at number three in the Official Americana Charts two years ago there’s clearly some momentum to maintain.

In Luke Morley’s own words

“What if Jesus came back to earth but wasn’t like we thought he would be?

“What if he behaved like a lot of the vacuous celebrities we’re used to seeing on TV?

“What if he enjoyed the limelight and wanted the rest of us to know we were barely worthy of his time?

“What if he was more like Donald Trump, wore a silver suit and was a fan of Creedence Clearwater Revival?

“This song is all of the above.”

The verdict on Walking On Water

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that Morley’s latest work is based on an earworm of a recurrent riff that’s as powerful as it’s understated.

And it’s exciting to see the famous fingers that launched many a Thunder anthem featuring prominently in Walking On Water’s video clip close-ups.

Focusing on the fretwork could easily detract from the vocals but don’t let that happen.

Part-time singer Morley’s always been the perfect foil for Danny Bowes during the day job but this return to solo action reveals a tone that’s been further developed — and even enhanced — since Songs From The Blue Room.

It’s really something.

As a guitarist, Morley long since proved his chops. As a vocalist it seems he’s only been scratching the surface and, incredibly, Walking On Water suggests there’s much more to come.

It seemed nothing good could come out of Bowes’ stroke and the resulting long, long road to recovery. But with his solo work Morley’s at least providing a crumb of comfort for those missing every day without Thunder.

Walking On Water’s drenched in authenticity and awash with potential. It’s another strident step forward on Morley’s solo journey.

What’s next for Luke Morley

Walking On Water’s the title track of a new solo album slated for release later this year.

Live dates — rumoured to feature Quireboys’ band mate Willie Dowling — are being lined up as we speak.

And of course you can catch Morley with Spike and co. at festivals throughout the summer.