Travis - '12 Memories' (Inde-pendiente) Released 13/10/03

For a record titled after memory, it is rather regrettable just how forgettable this fourth album from the Scottish masters of misery really is. 

Musically there is more of the same laid back strumming familiar from the days when it always rained on them, while the lyrics profess to address more serious subject matters.  Lead single 'Re-Offender' covers spousal abuse, and there are a few songs here that look like they could be about global politics.  Look like, that is, because most of the songs have “you” as the bad guy and “me” as the good guy/confused guy/guy who has started to wear hats.  Is Fran Healey moaning at his girlfriend, his mum or George W?  The closest Travis come to an actual statement is the execrable 'Peace The **** Out', which shockingly, though unsurprisingly, merits the Parental Guidance sticker.

When it comes to having an identity, Travis appear to have none.  This might have been the secret of their success so far, but how long can it last?  This album shows us nothing new from Travis.  They appear to be stuck in a rut, unable or unwilling to try something a bit different.