'Good Feeling' is the highly acclaimed debut album from Glasgow rockers 'Travis.' Produced in New York by Steve Lillywhite, the album achieved instant top five success. The critics, initially caught by their own hyperbole, then having gone through an indecisive period, have now decided that Travis are worthy of the accolades they earned so early on into their career. Labelled 'The most accomplished, most heart-stoppingly exciting debut British rock album since Definitely maybe' by Select Magazine, Travis could well surpass the massive popularity of Oasis. They've got more attitude, better tunes and an aching sincerity that oozes from each of the superb 12 tracks here.

The album begins with the huge stomping anthem that is 'All I Want To Do Is Rock'. Heavy bass drum, and Francis Healy's lazy vocals combine to produce a song with so much passionate hedonism it threatens to overwhelm. The song also boasts one of the meanest guitar solos in years, and is an excellent showcase for Andy Dunlop's guitar. Next is 'U-16 Girls' which is more lazy vocals, and a bubblegum chorus. The song, a warning to 'Make sure that she's old enough before you blow your mind', earned various Lolita references but Fran says "People were saying how U-16 girls is about the kind of Lolita thing. I mean y'know the bit were it says, 'I met a girl in Paris..' She was actually a 36-year old Japanese woman I met when I was 17 and I went to Paris for the weekend with my mum. We just spent the day wandering around together chatting. I write about any bollocks." (Select Magazine, November 1997).

Continuing the frenzied opening pace is 'The Line is Fine' one of the more glam tinged numbers. Make no mistake this is a cool song. The singalong chorus is so damn infectious you'll need it surgically removed. The lyrics hint at a dark suicidal note, but this song is still hoplessly optimistic, 'Standing on the edge, well don't look down!!' Dunlop serves up another irresistable guitar hook, and Fran belts out the lyrics in usual form. Relentlessly next is the darker, rockier 'Good Day To Die'. Fuzzy guitars are backed by Frans savage vocals singing 'Your head is a brickwall and your heart is a football and your eyes broken windows..'

'Good Feeling' is a song that earned many early radiohead comparisons, and it is easy to see why. Woeful, emotive lyrics build up to a massive chorus. Dougie Payne's slow walking bassline is prevalent,and the song has a wonderful piano solo, Fran sings 'I've got a good feeling, Like I know how I'm feeling, scraping me off the ceiling, back to that good feeling.'

Next is 'Midsummer Nights Dreamin' which is a bouncy slice of guitar pop, reflecting on the cliched rock star lifestyle 'Had too much to drink don't ask me how, head in the sink.' 'Tied To The 90's' the bands third single is next, and it is a jangly piece, reminiscent of britpop era Blur. Initially it just sounds average, but after a few listens you'll be humming it all day. It achieved top 20 success in the singles chart and did not deserve the slating it recieved from many broadsheet muso types. 'I Love You Anyways' is a slow, meandering yet touching love song. The song is a lilting tribute to a former love of our Fran, and sports a prominent bass line and quiet chiming acoustic guitars. Fran sings 'I think you should be framed in some fine art gallery..'

'Happy' is next and is the band's latest single, destined for more chart success. The song is a firm live favourite, and is another solid guitar pop pice of wizardry. It's simplistic, 'I'm not a doctor and I'm not a lawyer, I get a prescription and set it on fire, blow me a kiss I'll be happy the rest of my life', lyrics are The Stupid theory explained. Don't think too hard, just enjoy.

Slowing the pace is acoustic ballad 'More Than Us' which is a subtle, touching song. Fran's whispered, haunting vocals are inspired. At this point I honestly do not think Travis have written a bad song. 'More Than Us' reflects 'Everybody wants a hand but I'm too busy holding up the world to carry on..' 'Falling Down' is a more sombre song, mainly Fran on piano and drummer Neil Primrose appropriately goes easy on the high hats.

Finally is 'Funny Thing': Travis at their most Radiohead. Fran sings in a voice so raw and emotional it cannot fail to bring Thom Yorke comparisons. Gentle acoustic guitars are substituted halfway through, as Dunlops guitar stutters into life, and another masterful solo folows. The song grabs your heart strings and will not let go. So the future of British music is safe, Travis are here, rejoice.

Reviewed by Greg O'Keeffe