12 Memories [Audio CD] Travis Amazon.co.uk Travis's self-produced fourth album, 12 Memories, is lush and gorgeous, drenched with strings and piano, which add a lazy, dreamlike quality to songs such as first single "Re-Offender" and opening track "Quicksand", and even the occasional bit of experimentation (a dog whining in the background of "Paperclips" is an appropriately creepy effect). But it's also lyrically their darkest album, even by Travis's standards. Never the happiest of bands, at least on record (after all, they broke through by singing "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?"), they colour 12 Memories throughout with a morose (but, tellingly, never bitter) resignation (the aforementioned single "Re-Offender", about being trapped in an abusive relationship, is a perfect example of this). That's probably down to circumstances: in the two years since their last album (The Invisible Band), they nearly disintegrated when drummer Neil Primrose was badly injured in an accident. But he--and the band--have recovered, and are sounding better for it. Frontman Fran Healy, arguably one of the nicest men in popular music, manages to deliver an anti-war message on "Peace the Fuck Out" that's more pleading than angry, and all the more affecting. 12 Memories is exactly the sort of album that should be making right now--it's accessible and poignant, with an undercurrent of real-world frustration and paranoia running throughout. Travis's best album to date is also their bravest, by some distance. --Robert Burrow Review Travis return with their fourth album 12 Memories, which continues from where they left off with 2001's The Invisible Band. 12 simple but irresistible songs about love, life and paperclips. 12 reasons to fall back in love with four lads from Glasgow. It's true, each song here is worthy of your undivided attention. Each song here asks you to listen, to nurture and to derive pleasure. The excellent opening track, "Quicksand", quickly confirms that they're still capable of writing great indie pop songs. And proves that the band haven't dared to pursue a radical new direction on this record. The song bizarrely includes the band members casually singing along to Fran's vocals while a cello and violin provide a dramatic edge. "The Beautiful Occupation" features a rousing chorus and high pitched guitars, that remind me of REM's Out Of Time era.The lyrics and vocals also remind me of their fellow (but lesser known) Scottish comrades The Trash Can Sinatras. Travis' lyrics have always been melancholic but the songs remain cheerful. Look no further than the wonderfully jaunty "Why Does It Always Rain On Me". But on 12 Memories things are darker and more depressing than before. These songs deal with the frustrations of life whether it be anti war messages ("Peace The **** Out") or the reality of a "Mid Life Krysis". "People get down, people get hurt" sings Healy on "Happy To Hang Around". Recent single "Re-Offender" deals with the thorny issue of domestic violence. A serious subject that produces a great song that's up there with "Turn" and "Driftwood". Despite the serious message, "Peace The **** Out" does includes the best lyric on the album "It's all wrong, handbags at dawn...Peace the **** out, I don't know what you're talking about". Musically the band are on top form. There are a couple of ballads in "Paperclips" and the hidden twelfth track. And there are several up-beat songs to cheer you up. "Somewhere Else" and "Love Will Come Through" feature all the Travis trademarks: A sing-a-long chorus, catchy guitars and an easy to remember, foot-tapping rhythm. Both could be future singles. 12 Memories may be dark but it's still a beautiful record. Each song will provoke dreams, smiles and memories... --Dan Tallis This link will take you off Amazon in a new window