Travis - 12 Memories

After a serious swimming pool accident nearly disabled drummer Neil Primrose, Travis took six months off before ditching producer Nigel Godrich and reconvening for DIY sessions at a makeshift Mull studio towards the end of last year. And credit where it's due:after the mega-selling The Man Who (1999) and The Invisible Band (2001), they've chosen to kick a little rather than safely tread water. Thing is, while singer Fran Healy opts for a more delicate delivery over the usual chain-rattling sorrowfests down rainy promenades—and guitars are eased aside for dabs of piano and softly-pattering drums—the tunes, for all their airiness, just won't stick.

Rating: 2 / 10