Travis at The Lexington: “We’re back for good”

In the British music scene – once famous for bands of unrivalled songwriting talent, which saw its last peak of global popularity with the Britpop and post-Britpop years – the lack of new acts who craft their songs around an inspired melody and introspective, heartfelt lyrics is disheartening.

Apart from Coldplay, who continue to dominate the charts; Muse, who still amaze with their live shows; and Radiohead, who have won the indisputable admiration of critics and connoisseurs, most of the once-glorious bands have broken up or enjoy diminished attention, overshadowed by pop and dance songs of questionable taste.

Travis’ comeback concert in London is a double bill: there is a performance at 7pm, mainly for press, and a second one at 9pm, which frontman Fran Healy defines as “the f****** show”. Luckily, I’m in for the latter.

Opening with Everything at Once, title track and first single off their new record (due for release on 29^th April), the Scottish quartet look nervous but liberated. Fran’s return from the long-bearded busker-esque look isn’t yet complete, but his dedication to moving the crowd with his sensitive, powerful voice hasn’t changed.

When the guitar intro of Writing to Reach You kicks off it becomes evident that the absence of songs like these from the radio has caused a void that needs to be filled. The care, the beauty and frailty of the music – and its lyrics – carry a significance that helps defeat the meaningless and the banal.

The setlist is a perfect selection of greatest hits and it’s also rich in fan favourites such as Driftwood, Slide Show, Closer and Good Feeling. Of the new songs, 3 Miles High stands out as a classic, exquisitely penned melancholic mid-tempo composition. But the uncontainable energy and singalongs naturally spark with their most successful songs: Side, Sing, Turn and Why Does It Always Rain on Me?

It’s in the very last part of the show that Travis reach that level of confidence and empathy with the audience that only the best concerts achieve. Turn is the highlight of the evening, where band and fans come together in a profound and sincere collective performance.

“Yes, we’re back for good,” says the frontman before leaving the stage – and we eagerly wait for more.

Filippo L’Astorina, the Editor
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina

For further information about Travis and future events visit here.

Watch a clip of 3 Miles High live at The Lexington here: