Scottish rock band Travis headed to the O2 Academy in Bournemouth to perform their seminal album ‘The Invisible Band’ in its entirety along with other classics. Originally released over twenty years ago in June 2001 to both critical and commercial acclaim, the band had initially planned to promote its 20th-anniversary reissue last year with a corresponding tour, but the pandemic thwarted their efforts.

Revisiting an album which is both a classic but also reflects a specific moment in time is always revealing. However, the Scottish four-piece were on top form and set the stage alight with a fresh new approach and it was almost like hearing it for the first time.

With support from singer-songwriter (and formally the frontman of indie stalwarts Gomez) Ben Ottewell who performed an understated but very commanding set, the energetic four-piece hit the stage.

Here’s a fun fact for you – Travis was the first band that I saw live when I moved to Bournemouth (who were at the time) supported by a relatively up and coming band called Keane. They have always been a cohesive and captivating group of musicians who never disappoint when performing live— every song on the ‘The Invisible Band’ sounded as fresh and dynamic as ever.

Travis is not the first (and certainly won’t be the last) band to perform album-focused tours. In a digital world, where music is digestible by song, it’s actually a real treat to listen to bands perform albums from the first to the last track. If this was a restaurant comparison, the evening would be comparable to a tasting menu as opposed to ‘small plates’.

Substandard cooking analogies aside, the band led by the ever-charismatic frontman Fran Healy kicked off proceedings with ‘Sing’ the first track off ‘The Invisible Band’, setting the very high standard for the night. Despite a slightly nervous (about the football) Dougie Payne on bass who was keeping one eye on the football scores hoping for a Rangers win, the dynamic foursome was formidable on stage. ‘Dear Diary’ followed by the powerful ‘Sing’ – which over twenty years later, has even more meaning. Considering it was written over two decades ago, it almost feels even more poignant than ever. ‘Side’ has always been one of my favourite Travis tracks and naturally this was included in the set list owing it to being the third track from the album.

Revisiting this album as both a musician, music journalist and of course as a music fan has demonstrated not only how great Travis are as both recording artists and as a live act, but also how their songs have really stood the test of time and have almost a new meaning whilst remaining evergreen classics.

Navigating the fully engaged crowd through the rest of the tracks, the band interjected their stellar set with intriguing and funny stories and anecdotes which included reflecting on how they used the money from record sales which afforded them the opportunity to make this album. One stand-out story included Fran relaying their experience at a recording studio where they were mixing with international recording artists and having the opportunity to choose from what can only be described as a ‘weed catalogue’ which had the crowd in stitches.

One of Fran’s musings was that modern music ‘doesn’t mean anything, but that it’s that all-important 5% that DOES indeed make a difference and that subsequently lasts. Honesty was a key theme throughout both this album’s creative process and captured within the stories between each track. The band and in particular, Fran and Dougie effortlessly engaged with the crowd with a delightful combination of charm, energy and humour. Fran is very endearing and sincere both in his performance and how he interacts with the crowd.

One very emotional moment for the band and for Fran, in particular, was the last track from the album ‘The Humpty Dumpty Love Song’ which was dedicated to the bands video director, and close friend Ringan Ledwidge who sadly died earlier this year.

His contribution to the creative process clearly made an impact on both the band on a professional and personal level and it was a lovely way to close out the set. The first song played in the following set was ‘A Ghost’ from the band’s latest album ’10 Songs’ which was released at the back end of 2020. Never has a track been more relevant for what ‘we have all gone through’ than the beautifully written ‘Love Will Come Through’ which was one of the standout tracks on 2004’s ’12 Memories’.

One of my favourite ever Travis tracks ‘Closer’ was a personal highlight – from ‘The Boy with No Name’, ‘Turn’ and ‘My Eyes’ also made an appearance. Of course, the set ended with fan favourite ‘Why Does It Always Rain on Me?’ which the crowd absolutely adored. This gig unequivocally demonstrated the creative prowess and the huge impact that Travis has made over the years and in particular how ‘The Invisible Band’ has not only stood the test of time, but in many respects has even more meaning and relevancy over twenty years on than ever before.

Vibrant, endearing, and unforgettable, Travis are collectively absolutely spectacular performers, and their impressive body of work and captivating performances continues to cement them as one of the UK’s top and best-loved bands.

Humble, unassuming and charismatic, the tour de force that is Miles Kane is back on tour and boy, did he pack a punch with an electrifying and high energy gig at the Engine Rooms in Southampton. Unleashing a full-throttle performance, Miles delivered a first-class set of material which included both classic crowd-pleasers like ‘Coup De Grace’ and ‘Colour of the Trap’ as well as a selection of songs from his latest album, the brilliant ‘Change the Show’.

Miles kicked off proceedings with the first track released from the album ‘Change The Show’ – ‘Don’t Let It Get You Down’ – a soulful, retro-inspired, ball of energy that is full of swagger. The crowd loved it – and so did Miles who put on an electrifying performance alongside his talented band which includes Joao de Macedo Mello and Paul Weller alumni Josh McClorey on guitar.

If you could capture the essence of Elvis, The Beatles, James Brown and Marc Bolan with the energy of the Energizer bunny and style of Danny Zuko in Grease, an image of Miles Kane should and will probably spring to mind. Especially so after this epic gig in Southampton.

Endearing and charismatic in equal measure, Miles had the crowd in the palm of his hand with and you can’t help but be enthralled and engaged by his captivating performance which is part 50s Motown swagger and 70’s glam rock star with a healthy injection of indie rock. Within the set there were a few other additions which included a powerful rendition of ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ by The Beatles and two Last Shadow Puppets tracks.

Ably supported by talented Scottish musician Brooke Combe, this was an unforgettable night of live music which showcased not only Kane’s scintillating performance style, his musicality but also his incredible guitar playing and awesome personal style. Other standout tracks included ‘Nothing’s Ever Gonna Be Good Enough’, the vibey ‘Blame It On The Summertime’, ‘Never Get Tired Of Dancing’, ‘Inhaler’ and ‘Rearrange’.

‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ was an emotional highlight of the night with Miles drinking in both the adulation and energy from the crowd as they sang along with him. At times, Miles seemed almost overwhelmed and surprised by the crowds’ reaction and you can tell he loves to perform.

This was an utterly stupendous and high-octane performance from Miles who has further cemented his reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting, dynamic and endearing musicians in the industry.

Fully deserving of his ‘Godlike Genius’ moniker, Johnny Marr and his stupendous guitar playing never disappoints and this has never been a truer statement when it comes to his recent gig at the quirky venue – the Old Fire Station. Charismatic, humorous and effortlessly cool, he brought his sold out show to the coastal town of Bournemouth. Whilst there were musical nods to The Smiths, but for this gig – it was all about the present and the inclusion of a curated selection of tracks from his latest album – the triumphant and expansive ‘Fever Dreams – Pts 1-4’. This album was born out of lockdown and his writing and recording has provided him with one of the most prolific periods of his illustrious career.

Swaggering on stage, Johnny kicked off with a rousing rendition of ‘Armatopia’ which was closely followed by the Smiths track ‘Panic’ which really got the captivated crowd going. They were also treated to a selection of tracks from ‘Fever Dreams – Pts 1-4’ which included ‘Spirit Power & Soul’, ‘Rubicon’, ‘Sensory Street’ and ‘Night and Day’.

Johnny effortlessly engaged with the crowd with a delightful combination of humour, swagger and energy – he had the audience in the palms of his hands as he continued with his amazing set. Chock full of exhilarating guitar swells which is his trademark, Marr cheekily asked if the crowd had any requests before segueing into the song which had already been outlined on the setlist. Marr commanded the stage with his fantastic band supporting him which included some driving bass lines from the talented Iwan Gronow.

From his guitar playing to his stage presence and showmanship, Johnny’s talent for songwriting and performing continues to cement him as one of the UK’s top musicians. Emotive, straight talking and stirring, his new material which he describes himself as ‘electro gospel’ was mixed with his rock ‘n’ roll roots. His new songs are some of the best he has ever written and it feels that this is the sound that he has been aching to create. There were some Smiths’ crowdpleasers in the mix such as ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’, ‘This Charming Man’ in the main set, which effortlessly sat alongside the fantastic ‘How Soon Is Now’ which closed an epic encore which also included ‘Ariel’ from his latest album.

Tracks like ‘Easy Money’ – one of his most successful solo tracks, a spell binding cover of ‘I Feel You’ by Depeche Mode, and ‘Get The Message’ were executed perfectly with an exuberant delivery.

Marr’s stagecraft is evident, it is clear he loves to perform – and the crowd loved this performance. Johnny is the epitome of a musician who has no qualms about celebrating his past and his unrivalled contribution to The Smiths, but does not shy away from embracing the new. Johnny is supporting Blondie on their UK tour throughout April and May after completing his own UK tour and we are sure that the combination of these two timeless acts could be one of the gig highlights of 2022.

Fever Dreams Pts 1-4 is out now.
Thanks to Alex Dixon (Photography) We Broke Free (Promoters) and The Old Fire Station for the images.