Gig Review: Travis, Faneuil Hall Newbury Comics, 4/26/09
Once in a while it pays to be on an email club newsletter. I’ve been getting coupons from Newbury Comics for years, and a month ago I saw a promotion for a free acoustic and signing with the band Travis. The best way to describe Travis is a cheaper Coldplay. They could be huge but are happy with the modest following they have. On tour for promoting their latest album, Ode to J. Smith, the band played a quick show before their gig at the House of Blues.
Actually, it was only half of Travis, singer Francis ‘Fin’ Healy and guitarist Andy Dunlop were there to play and talk to a crowd of 40-50 people. The location wasn’t huge, but the atmosphere was fun and the boys played six solid songs for the crowd. Starting with ‘Pipe Dreams” they moved to “Sarah” a b-side and crowd request, then “Sing” off of The Invisible Band and “Friends”, which was a new track. Next they played “Writing to Reach You” off The Man Who, then played “Coming Around” and ended with “Driftwood”. Not the biggest set list, but for an in-store appearance it was all they needed to play.
Waiting in line for an eternity we finally met the band, shook hands, got autographs and a picture. I remember stumbling on Travis 10 years ago while watching VH1 (when they still played music) and watched the video for “Why Does It Always Rain On Me?” I never saw them live and thought this would be perfect.
I would’ve loved to have heard them play more or got tickets to see them that night, but I was happy with what they played and enjoyed the small club-like feel. Sometimes you don’t need to be cramped in an arena to enjoy a good performance.
Entertainment Section Weekly Newsletter
Sign Up!
Sign Up!
