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Travis MorrisonTravistan Barsuk/Stomp Having created his own country (the Republic of Travistan, complete with flag and topographical maps of Average Awesomeness, Vegetation and Elevation), Morrison has put a lot of thought and effort into his debut solo album. My expectations were high, based on Morrison's ten year involvement as lead singer with The Dismemberment Plan and the knowledge that this was recorded by Chris Walla, most well known for his work with Death Cab For Cutie. However, it's a bit of a worry when the cover booklet outshines the music. With dark and sarcastic humour littered throughout, Morrison covers everything from politics to religion. Synth beats and samples perk up Born In '72 while Change funks it up with the wack Messiah, Moses; it's the type of song that will get the kids back into Sunday School. The Get Me Off Of This Coin interludes have potential but are far from album highlights and a string orchestra in Angry Angel is wasted on a strangely composed song that never seems to actually go anywhere. My Two Front Teeth II & III is lyrically typical of Morrison's storyteller approach. He's a strange composer though, in that it is nigh impossible to predict the melody of the vocals nor the rhythm of the song itself, making this CD a challenge, rather than a pleasure, to listen to. Others may see it as original and innovative but I think 'Travistan' will only appeal to a select niche.  |
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