Fran Healy - Wreckorder

Far from the Travis we knew back in the days of ‘Sing’, ‘Why Does It Always Rain On Me’ and ‘Turn’, Healy’s debut album kicks off with track ‘In The Morning’. A multi layered and atmospheric track combining eerie piano melodies with orchestral harmonies and beats, it is a short but sweet start to the album.

‘Anything’ is a more traditional and simplistic offering that blends Healy’s calming vocals with layered yet subtle melodies. The strings enhance the track perfectly, pitched against light guitar riffs, and this track feels exactly as we expected Healy’s new material would; subtle yet powerful at the same time.

‘Sing Me To Sleep’ offers a slightly more upbeat intro with an instantly more commercial and radio friendly sound. More guitars and drums against a stronger vocal, including a guest female vocal performance from US breakthrough artist  Neko Case, give the track a boost and a more three dimensional sound to draw you in. It’s a real interesting creation in the middle of this album.

‘Fly In The Ointment’ is a more Travis-esque track that leads us to think that the first two tracks of the album were seemingly misleading. Meanwhile, ‘As It Comes’ is a look back to times gone by with a waltz feel and McCartney’s bass line, whilst ‘Buttercups’ is a lighter and more fruitful track that picks up the mood for the listener and lends yet another sound to the album. ‘Moonshine’ ties up the album with a catchy and repetitive vibe.

All in all, Wreckorder is a calming and beautiful fusion of tracks that start where Travis’ material left off. A melodic blend of mature vocals and harmonies against guitar strings with a feel good and laid back sound. The album is not ground-breaking but what is important is that it is not a replica of his past musical career and this should in turn give Healy the opportunity to really prove his worth as a solo artist - an opportunity that, judging by this, he truly deserves.