After the dark, protest-song side trip that was 12 Memories, Travis have returned to what they do best (and did FIRST, long before Coldplay, Starsailor, or any other). This album sits very nicely next to The Man Who and The Invisible Band, and while it doesn't reach the brilliance of the former, it most certainly is equal to or better than the latter. There are bittersweet lyrics, happy jangly guitars, and even some violin here and there in the songs, and the textures work very well. These guys are decent musicians.

As in albums past, Fran's lyrics remain in "forced rhyme" mode, which can occasionally grate on the ears, and sometimes just plain don't make sense ("I wake up to find you lying awake with your hands in your head..." Eww!), but most of the time they work. I also like some of more experimental sounds Travis pursues (experimental for Travis, anyway), especially the bass-driven song, Big Chair. Unfortunately, this album also contains what is arguably the WORST Travis song ever, New Amsterdam. There is a hidden song called Sailing that makes up for this misstep, however.

I find Travis to be a band that, like CAKE or some others bands, sounds best when they stick to their time-tested formula. Some bands need to rework their sounds from album to album to keep it interesting for themselves and others (Radiohead, to name one), but Travis has a pop-perfect sound that is utterly timeless. Why mess with it?

Travis return with their brand of melodic but melancholic rock, and that choir boy voice, aped since by fellow Brits Coldplay and Keane.

Titled after lead singer Fran Healey's son who was nameless for a while after being born recently, "The boy who had no name" opens with the downbeat Simon & Garfunkel-like "3 times and you lose", followed by the upbeat Motown-like "Selfish Jean".

Lead off single "Closer" is a rather dreamy, melancholic tune, with superb, echoing vocal effects.

Other standouts are "Big chair", the sweeping "Eyes wide open" (with edgy guitars), the touching "My eyes" (which seems to be about Healey's son), the ballads "One night" (pretty and jangly), "Out in space" (complete with alien-like effects), and the woozy "Colder". "Under the moonlight" features KT Tunstall.

Tight harmonies, beautiful guitar and piano work, and personal lyrics, just what we've come to expect from Travis!!

Travis always puts out quality music and I'm always surprised at how they can top their last album! They keep pumping out better and better music. Easy to listen to - easy to sing along to - and so entertaining. Just saw their video to "Closer" - that was GREAT! Thanks for continuing to entertain!

Travis has never received the recognition it deserves in the states. I love all of their albums for different reasons (yes, even 12 Memories) and this one did not disappoint me. Gorgeous melodies, Fran's lovely voice, Andy tearing it up on the guitar, backed by Dougie's great bass lines, and Neil's superb drumming. If you're a fan you've probably already purchased this after having to wait 3 years. If not, please buy it and support a talented band. And go see them live because they are incredible.

Definitely worth the purchase! I heard some of their songs at the start of their US tour and was really impressed, and the album versions are just as good. HIGHLY recommended! Fantastic, classic, very well done Travis. Buy it now!