Epic/Sony Records 2001
Where does Travis fit into the grand scheme of things? Are they pop stars, rock misfits, punks, UK icons? What happens when a band charts big-time in Europe, but is virtually thought of as "underground" on our shores? How do the mainstream audiences of the US relate to, react to or receive a band like that? Travis aims to find out with their third album, The Invisible Band.
After much acclaim with their second release, The Man Who- along with chart topping songs like Why Does It Always Rain on Me?, Turn, and Driftwood - the Scottish darlings revived the harmonious sounds of bands like The Byrds, or The Beatles, and mixed it up a bit with the modern rock sounds that the UK has been cranking out of late. (Think Oasis without the attitude, or The Verve minus the psychedelic heroin chic.)
Despite their successes in Europe, they have yet to achieve household name status in America. Perhaps then The Invisible Band is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek commentary on how they have yet to be recognized. Of course, the irony in pop-music land is that someone like Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst is identifiable by face, and name among most MTV viewers, but Francis Healy, who is not only much more adorable, but a much better songsmith, would garner little more than a "Huh?" from the same crowd.
All this rambling is to say that Travis has released a third album, called The Invisible Band, which is delightful to listen to. UK radio-hit, Sing, is - for lack of a better word- a true "feel-good" song. One gets the sense that Travis is a band with members who have a sense of humor, and a joie de vivre that shines through. Another such song is Side, which reassures us that even though "the grass is always greener on the other side, neighbor’s got a new car that you wanna drive, and your time is running out, you wanna stay alive," someone’s watching over us.
It seems that especially on their darker numbers, Travis hits their dissonant notes so sweetly. In Dear Diary there is a fine thread between despair and hope that stretches tightly between the lyrics and the chords. Somber string sections, and gently plucked guitars compete with plaintive words like "Dear diary, what is wrong with me, ‘cos I’m fine between the lines," and stay in the conscious long after the song is over.
Musical snobs should be challenged to get over themselves for a few minutes and if nothing else, listen to this song. Titled The Cage, it undeniably borrows a bit from The Beatles’ Norwegian Wood, both in theme and style, (flown birds, etc . . . ) but there is something about it that completely strikes a chord of instant bliss.
Certainly there are bands that are more arty, and creative in their own right, but it would be a definite bet that they neither have as much fun, nor that they are as easy on the ears. If nothing else can be said about them, Travis is a charming band. However, this critic would be wracked with guilt if she didn’t confess to loving nearly every gentle note, whisper, and shout to come out of Francis Healy’s mouth.
- jeanette strole