Travis: 'Something Anything'

It's weird to think of it now, but there was a time at the end of the '90s when bands were referred to as "The Next Travis". Before Coldplay swanned along, Fran Healy's crew led the market in emotionally aware, Radio 2-friendly rock. They headlined Reading and Glaston, scored proper chart smashes with 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me?' and 'Sing', and their The Man Who album just wouldn't stop selling.

Sadly, the band's star has waned of late and despite generally favourable reviews for their recent albums, it's safe to assume they don't get hassled for autographs down their local Asda anymore. 'Something Anything', taken from their impending Ode To J. Smith album, has a refreshing spikiness to it that will surprise those who've only heard them in acoustic ballad mode. It's unlikely to bring back the fame - it's a little polite and unassuming for that - but musically at least Travis are still doing the business.