Travis In-depth Biography
Along with Cast}, Ocean Colour Scene}, Kula Shaker}, and Embrace}, Travis} was one of the most prominent British trad rock} bands in the mid- to late- '90s. Following Oasis}' lead of crafting down-to-earth, heartfelt songs in the vein of classic British bands from the '60s, Travis} was more successful and enduring than some of their peers due to their lively, impassioned songwriting and performances. The group formed in Glasgow around 1990 as something of a lark for its members, singer/songwriter} Francis Healy}, guitarist Andy Dunlop}, drummer Neil Primrose}, and bassist Dougie Payne}. After finishing their studies at art school a few years later, the foursome became more serious about Travis}' potential and moved to London in 1996. Their self-released debut EP, All I Wanna Do Is Rock}, came out in the fall of that year; with its earnest vocals and soaring guitars, it captured the spirit of British rock} at the time, which was retreating from some of Brit-pop}'s artiness to a back-to-basics sound. Their second single, 1997's "U16 Girls,"} was released by Independiente Records}, the new label headed by former Go! Discs}' director Andy MacDonald}; a few months later, their critically acclaimed full-length debut Good Feeling} arrived. Recorded in a matter of days with top producer Steve Lillywhite}, the album included hit singles like "Happy"} and "Tied to the '90s"} and immediately entered the Top Ten of the U.K. charts. The following year, Travis} began sessions with star producer Nigel Godrich} for the follow-up to Good Feeling}, recording in six studios in as many months. Though it was a slower, darker affair, when The Man Who} appeared in 1999, it eclipsed Travis}' previous successes, going platinum six times in the U.K. and spawning more hit singles such as "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?"} and "Writing to Reach You."} Nominated Select Magazine}'s Album of the Year (and finishing in the Top Ten of many other publication's year-end lists), The Man Who} appeared on U.S. shores in early 2000, just in time for a tour with their musical big brothers, Oasis}. Debuting at the number one spot on the U.K. album chart, The Invisible Band} was issued in June 2001 just prior to stateside summer gigs with Dido}. Two years later, the band issued 12 Memories}. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
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