Category:
Pop

Try if you like:
Aqualung, Coldplay, Ocean Colour Scene, Snow Patrol, U2

I'm about to divulge a huge secret. One of those deep dark secrets that not very many indie rock critics like to announce. I like Travis. That even feels better. Come on. Like you've never been caught singing along with "Why does it always rain on me?" or "Sing". Maybe I'm alone on these shores but anyway the darling UK band have released their fifth full length album, The Boy With No Name, and I'm enjoying it. It seems like Coldplay and Snow Patrol are what North American pop lovers reach for instead of Travis but that hasn't stopped the band from giving it their best shot.

Now here's where it gets even trickier. I think they may lose a few fans on this album for one reason, they may have even mellowed a little more. They have taken the gentle side of things and made them slightly gentler. I think it works fine. For instance, "Closer" is a wonderfully rich song but the band hardly even breaks a sweat. The "Lust For Life" rhythm on "Selfish Jeans" seems a little dirty but they utilize so nicely in their mellower style making it one of the best tracks on the album. "Big Chair" has a fun rhythm going for it and some clever instrumentation and again lovely and mellow. "Eyes Wide Open" shows a little more grit but never reaches abrasiveness. I never found anything as instantly catchy as the previously mentioned hits but the album meshes nicely as a whole.

The guys just write some unselfishly catchy pop songs that are quite accessible. Love 'em or hate 'em, Travis is here to stay.