CD Review: Travis '12 Memories'
By: Christina Martinez -
October 17th 2003 2:39am
It is definitely not an album for everyone, but if you’re a dedicated fan and follower of
Travis, 12 Memories will be a nice follow-up after a two-year absence.
The band from Glasglow, Scotland showcase their enduring clever lyrics with songs such as “The Beautiful Occupation,” exploring issues such as international relation: “Read it in the headlines, watch it on the TV, put it in the background, stick it in the back for the beautiful occupation. You don’t need an invitation to drop in upon a nation.”
12 Memories is quite different from their prior three albums. Often placed in the genre with bands such as Coldplay and Radiohead, Travis’ lead singer Fran Healy continues to sing using his high-pitched voice, while the band incorporates piano with rock backing. But this album, for the most part, leads acoustically.
“Paperclips” gives listeners a chance to hear Healy’s voice stripped of instruments. “Peace the [expletive] Out” maintains a British rock sound with airy vocals, distorted percussion and electric guitar.
Songs such as “How Many Hearts,” “Quicksand,” “Somewhere Else,” “Love Will Come Through” and “Re-Offender,” the first single off the album, are reminiscent of their usual sound – an optimistic overflow and mix of melody.
Despite complexity of this band, Travis pulls off sounding so simple and eloquent. Their sophisticated sound mixes wind instruments, stings and xylophone. A similar successful experiment is with the banjo in The Invisible Band. And throughout, they surprise us with their electric guitar interjections.
“Mid-Life Krysis” also exemplifies the ever-shifting sound on the album with use of a sitar. Travis can even pull off a Gypsy-Indianesque sound.
“Happy to Hang Around” harkens to a darker sound with the use of an organ. It “rocks” but not in the traditional sense. “Walking Down the Hill” is a contemporary resonance with a techno-type beat.
And finally, known for their hidden tracks, Travis ends the album with a ballad – Fran Healy’s lovely voice backed by a piano and the sound of raindrops that trickle down your spine as his voice sends chills in the same avenue – reminds me of Paul McCartney in “I Will.”
Nonetheless, Travis continues to grow as a band, both musically and lyrically. 12 Memories may not be as memorable as their past three albums, but it sure won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
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