Rocktrospectiva: The Cohesive "Everything At Once" Turns 10

 

Released on 29 April 2016 "Everything At Once" was the 8th., studio album by the Scottish band Travis. The band also made a movie for the album, which was included as a DVD in the deluxe version of the album. The movie premiered on 17 March 2016 at The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema as part of South by Southwest. The album spawned 8 singles "Everything At Once", "3 Miles High", "Radio Song", "Magnificent Time", "What Will Come", "Animals", "Idlewild" & "Paralysed."

Nearly 20 years in the business, it would be impossible for a band not to have already established or discovered its signature sound. The band had clearly defined their position with the previous "Where You Stand" back in 2013, which were reaffirmed with "Everything At Once" with a truly distinct and unique sound. 

You can clearly noticed that with tunes such as "What Will Come" whose optimistic lyrics set the tone for the nine songs that followed. "Magnificent Time," which had already been released, has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser at a concert: rhythm, lyrics, and feeling. "Radio Song" reminded at times of one of the band's classics, "Love Will Come True." While there were completely different things, they evoke the same degree of romanticism. This romanticism faltered with "Paralysed" and "Animals,"  even though they attempted to innovate using strings and excellent bass chords that were sadly wasted here. 

At this point, the album had become slightly monotonous, so it's quite fitting that "Everything at Once" is included here; it's elegantly catchy with a touch of energy and vitality. "3 Miles High" was unremarkable, as is its successor, "All of the Places." However, "Idlewild" stood out from this sea of ​​familiarity. With a change in tone and vocals for the chorus, it was the most daring song. It managed to somehow fly off the radar without straying from Travis's essence. Then the closer "Strangers on a Train," perhaps it was not memorable, it was a good ending with a hint of spirituality. 

Overall, "Everything at Once" was listenable because it was cohesive: it followed the same path in every song. It's neither better nor worse than its predecessors; well-produced and executed effort, but it was predictable. 

 

Everything At Once Track List: 

 

1. What Will Come

2. Magnificent Time

3. Radio Song

4. Paralysed

5. Animals

6. Everything At Once

7. 3 Miles High

8. All Of The Places

9. Idlewild

10. Strangers On A Train