Thursday 17/05/07 Travis @ Glasgow Barrowlands

In some circles, admitting to a liking for Travis is akin to suggesting that you enjoy a spot of pillaging and murder at the weekends. Only less acceptable. The Glaswegian band may have conquered the charts but it seems hard to find anyone who truly likes their toe tapping soft indie. Indeed, entering the Barrowlands it is hard to be enthusiastic about what is likely to occur - an evening of dreary, maudlin music with no fire or energy. Adding to the malaise, there’s a feeling that perhaps the career of Travis has already peaked, their days of selling out arenas up and down the country on the back of 2001’s ‘The Invisible Band’ long gone, partly due to the creative and commercial misstep that was that album’s follow up, ‘12 Memories.’    

And then the band enter. With the Rocky theme blaring out they don’t just stroll on stage, instead they make their way through the crowd, coming from the back of the venue. It may have been a dangerous line between the entrance being cheesy or enjoyable but it stays on the right side. The Rocky theme soon seems appropriate, because it is quickly evident that Travis are coming out fighting. Newbie ‘Eyes Wide Open’ kicks things off, sounding far more aggressive and driving than you’d expect. Old single ‘Writing To Reach You’ swiftly follows, far more urgent and uptempo than before.

Frontman Fran Healy’s vocals may always have a laid back melancholy feel to them but there’s some added edge to them while musically, there’s much more of a snap to the sound. So even the most plodding tracks, like ‘Driftwood’ and ‘Closer’ benefit from some extra bounce and swing and there’s a general sharpness pervading their set.