REVIEW: Travis, The Man Who (Epic/Independente)
- Joann D. Ball
Travis is the current Big New Thing in Britain right now. And at long last, the band's release The Man Who (Epic/Independente) has been released Stateside. To support it, Travis has been touring America as the opening act for Oasis, a band that you may recall was the Big New Thing in Britain several years ago. While Oasis seems to have somehow stalled in their ability to capitalize on their initial Stateside success, tour mates Travis seem much better equipped and prepared to maximize their steadily increasing critical acclaim and popularity in America.
First things first. Travis is indeed a band, and no, there's no one named Travis in the Scottish quartet. Singer/songwriter Fran Healy is the guiding force, though, joined by guitarist Andy Dunlop, bassist Dougie Payne and drummer Neil Primrose. And the outstanding The Man Who is actually the band's second release. It was released in Europe last May and eventually became the best selling album of 1999 in the U.K. By the way, Travis' debut record Good Feeling (Epic/Independente), was released in 1997 and is certainly worth (re)discovering. Now that such crucial background information has been covered, here's the story morning glory.
On The Man Who, Travis showcase an atmospheric and melodic sound that perfectly suits Fran Healy's sensitive and fluid vocals. While the band's sound and Healy's songwriting have art school roots, abstraction and intellectual tendencies influence rather than distract or overwhelm. As a songwriter, Healy is unashamedly empathetic as he explores the intimacies of the human condition. And his lyrics, which are often amazingly poetic, easily evoke emotion and feeling. Travis' is a kinder, gentler Britpop that emphasizes subtlety, musical textures and adult acoustic pop sensibilities instead of volume, aggression or quirkiness.
The essence of Travis is perfectly illustrated on "Why Does It Always Rain On Me," the catchy and engaging lead American single and video. Similarly, the record opener "Writing To Reach You" demands attention with inviting vocals and prominent acoustic guitars incorporated into the rich instrumentation. On "Driftwood" the band skillfully use acoustic and chiming guitars to perfectly recreate the dreamy sensation of drifting and floating. And in the achingly beautiful "Luv," co-written by Healy with former Katydids visionary and current Pretenders guitarist Adam Seymour, Travis has crafted one of the most touching ballads in Britpop history. These four brilliant tracks are among the ten gems which make The Man Who a classic, cohesive collection of songs.
Having the coveted opening slot on Oasis' tour has certainly helped Travis (re)introduce themselves and promote The Man Who in the States. And the tour has provided the essential exposure that the band most certainly deserves. Will the Stateside trek help Oasis eventually regain their American success? Maybe. Will wowing American concert-goers help Travis pass the most difficult test of "breaking" America? Definitely!
