Travis with Fatherson

Live at the Roundhouse, London

May 20th 2022

Robert Corich

Gig opener from the unusually named Fatherson was an upbeat affair vaguely comparable to how the Grateful Dead on ecstasy rather than acid might have fared. The crowd seemed to love them and they were enjoyable all in all. It would be interesting to witness a full set at some time in the near future as they certainly have potential.

Stage set with the branches from the cover of the bands third album, The Invisible Band.

A gentle, dreamy musical start before the band appeared on stage to the rapturous cheers of an enthusiastic crowd that clearly revere Travis.

With an informative and engaging introduction by frontman Fran Healy that they were about to embark on a forty five minute musical journey playing their key album in full.

This, a task that doesn’t always fare well with songs that have rarely or in some cases never been given a live outing worked out extremely well.

‘Imagine you are in your living room and are listening to the album then the curtains are lifted and there we are in front of you playing’ said frontman Fran. Nice big living room in this case Fran.

Hearing ‘The Invisible Band’ played in its entity was strangely comforting and enchanting at the same time so yes, it certainly worked well with a dedicated and enthusiastic crowd singing along much of the time.

The fifty odd minutes taken to cover the album in its entirety flew past.

Just over twenty years on and the album has stood the test of time well. After this tour they could do well to issue a remastered double pack with one disc the original studio album, remastered of course maybe a few relevant extras and a second disc with the album performed live at the Roundhouse, assuming that is, they had the tapes rolling.

After the enthralment of hearing ‘The Invisible Band’ played live had abated came Part Two or the extended encore to some. Here the band covered a selection of favourites that did not disappoint. The highlight of course being ‘Why Does It Always Rain On Me’.

Twenty Five years after the release of their first album the band that were a big part of a new movement of British music are still as good today as they were when the twenty something fans brought their records by the truckload.

All in all an excellent set of dreamy music played by a relaxed and dreamy band playing to an equally appreciative and dreamy crowd.

Pass the smoke will you.