Travis’ show confirms the BXS status

On the day the EMA 2003 nominations were announced Travis performed first in a number of concerts themed the ‘MTV Road To Edinburgh’, where this year’s ceremony is taking place on 06 November. It was also an opportunity for the band to present their new album, ’12 Memories’, out on Monday. And, it was…

Well, Travis are getting better and so markedly so. Always outside trends and waves (dude!), Fran Healy and his band have mainly focused on quality music and recording for the future rather than present or short-term consideration. Having always disassociated themselves from the pop-manufacture, all the brigades that are only interested in chasing fame for celebrity’s sake, they stand away from even Coldplay even.

That apparent lack of egos has always been to their advantage, all members being on the unassuming side and never seeking high-profile stardom; can’t think of Fran ever, well it feels like bassie Dougie did more, appearing in the tabloid columns. At the same time, for the difference from Dido, and an army of others, Travis have always refused to remake their last (however successful) album. Well, as it happens, they almost didn’t make this one, only entering studio to find out whether they desire, want and can continue making music.

’12 Memories’ bring an expending vocabulary without losing the general mood the band likes to explore; it starts with ‘Quicksand’ that is more sour than just bittersweet and trifle experimental, paving the way to pop-rock loaded ‘The Beautiful Occupation’ with its axe-man sounding guitar and a quirky ending. It is the band’s protest-song, voicing against the Iraqi situation, as is ‘Peace The F**k Off’ (alas, a tad too simplistic).

“I don’t pay taxes to drop bombs on people,” Healy commented last night. “We’re being lied to every day and it’s about time someone in a band said so. There goes the career,” he finished to an ovation.
Each new song is a revelation and tonight audience’s reaction, despite not knowing fresh material, is curiosity, respect and, ultimately, warm reception. Newies were slotted inbetween the hits, ‘Sing’, ‘Writing To Reach You’, ‘Why Does It Always Rain On Me?’, that were welcomed like they were keys to a Bank of England’s gold-safe!

If each album is a test of mettle, character and talent, Travis are brimming with the lot. They will never, and they’ve not set out on it at any time, start a revolution – as if a band or a song ever could – but certainly make our road to perdition a much more enjoyable journey.

Thus, Travis is BXS: the Band of eXtraordinary Scotsmen.