Unlike, say, Coldplay, whose bloated, arena rock earnestness is more sickly than sweet, there’s something inherently likeable about Travis.
It might be frontman Fran Healy’s charming Scottish accent, or the fact that although having faded into mainstream irrelevance about a decade ago, they continue to make well-crafted, thoughtful records for their loyal fanbase.
This one is no exception. In 40-odd minutes, Where You Stand exhibits the usual melodic flourishes and tempered swagger we’ve come to expect from the Glasgow veterans.
If the band’s previous album, Ode To J. Smith, was a little more rockin’ than usual – and a throwback to their Oasis-aping debut Good Feeling – Where You Stand pares back the layers of guitar.
Instead, atmosphere and texture is provided by pianos and synths, encasing the songs in a cinematic, widescreen glow.
There’s no clear-cut big single – à la “Sing” or “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” – but Healy’s tunes are still warmly familiar. The grandiose piano pop of “Where You Stand” is noteworthy while the pulsating “Moving” seems almost effortless. The faux-dub of “New Shoes”, meanwhile, is an unexpected delight.
Elsewhere, things are a little bland. The whistled hook that opens “Reminder” is unquestionably generic. And the electronic ripples that dominate “Boxes” can’t hide the fact it goes nowhere.
Still, for the most part, Where You Stand is another strong collection of songs from one of the UK’s most consistent groups.
It won’t return Travis to mainstream ubiquity, nor does it attempt to. But for fans who’ve waited five years for new material, it’ll do just fine.
