It’s been nearly two years since Travis released their last album, which I described as a hollow, and rather complacent. It was a hugely disappointing album and, unlike Tony Blair, the band seemed to have a (very effective) reverse gear in musical terms. And at a time when they could and should have progressed (on the back of massive seller THE MAN WHO), and taken a few risks. 12 MEMORIES is the album that they should have released two years ago.

With the opening deep piano notes and clattering drums of Quicksand, I get the feeling that this album is going to be very different - but in a nice way. What you get is Beatle-esque harmonies, a typically strong Travis melody, and an enviro-friendly Fran vocal. It’s a pleasant enough song with an edgier, darker subtext. Not bad. So they ‘play it again Sam’ with the second track, The Beautiful Occupation (the perversely titled song that appeared on the WAR CHILD album for the children of Iraq…). In fact this is a song about the dubious and doubtful nature of the war, and a welcome change in direction for the band.

Re-Offender mixes elements of old and new Travis that actually works very well. It has an epic, dreamy quality to it and I suspect this could be the next single. But then what’s this? A title with a naughty word in it! Peace The Fuck Out also houses some random rock instrumentals and football crowd chants. Certainly different, for Travis, and a good song with another strong message.

Paperclips is the first song on the album that really coveys an emotion to me with Fran’s most expressive and uncluttered album vocal. In the background is the metallic clatter of a lonely guitar, and for me it’s a perfect partnership. I also like the very beautiful Somewhere Else which has a strong Elliott Smith sound, with powerful, simple lyrics. Italian style mandolin helps the next track, Love Will Come Through meander slowly along in what turns out to be a believable and moving love song.

12 MEMORIES will surprise a lot of fans as it doesn’t sound like the Travis of old. The band has moved on and created an album with broader brush strokes, and which is spiced with delicate adventure. In parts, it’s also very beautiful and genuinely moving. It doesn’t have the ‘instant hits’ of previous recordings and I think is all the better for this. With 12 MEMORIES, Travis has at last produced something diverse and distinctive, with relevant messages for today’s fucked-up world. I welcome it, and strongly recommend it.

4/5