Travis - Everything At Once

Chris Martin, lead singer from Coldplay once described Travis as "the band that invented Coldplay", you can see why as a lot of these tracks could be sung by Coldplay. Whilst Coldplay moved on to play arenas Travis never got to that stage of playing stadiums.

With this the 8th studio album of Travis it is business as usual and rather than rest on their laurels they have returned with a brilliant album. It is very commercial and it has to be said is very melodic as witnessed on the opening track, What Will Come.

They have been away for a long time but it seems the fans have not forgotten them as many dates on the forthcoming tour are sold out.

Recalling the carefree abandon of their biggest hit, Why Does It Always Rain On Me, the second track on the album, Magnificent Time is a big bold glam rock influenced song that was co-written by Tim Rice-Oxley from Keane. You could just imagine the track being played in stadiums. If Coldplay had sung this track it would be on the radio all over Europe and beyond. The track could be a James track and is in the fashion of Sit Down.

Radio Song has a grunge element to it but still has that instant melody that flows throughout the album. On the track Animals it sounds like they have been listening to modern bands such as Hurts. The album ends with Strangers On A Train which builds slowly to a big chorus, again it gives a nod to more modern bands such as Keane.

If you liked the band previously then you will be glad you bought this album. It's like they have never been away.

4 out of 5.

The band play Leeds O2 Academy on Saturday 14 May 2016