Scottish band Travis are set to captivate fans once again after announcing their tenth studio album, L.A. Times, slated for release on 12th July 2024 under BMG. They’ve also dropped a new single, ‘Gaslight,’ marking their return to the music scene since 2020.
L.A. Times arrives 25 years after the band’s breakthrough with the #1 album The Man Who, which achieved 9x Platinum certification in the UK. ‘Gaslight’ introduces a fresh chapter for Travis, showcasing their distinctive sound enriched with horns, handclaps, and symphonic vocals that have become synonymous with their music.
Frontman Fran Healy shares insights into the album and the single ‘Gaslight’, noting the contemporary relevance of gaslighting in today’s society. Healy explains, “We are living in a time where our realities are being warped by bosses, leaders, friends, teachers, and politicians. Gaslighters want to control you… It really is everywhere.” The single is accompanied by a music video that visually echoes the song’s themes. Watch it below.
Recorded in Los Angeles, where Healy has resided for the past decade, L.A. Times is a testament to Travis’ enduring artistry and evolution. Tony Hoffer, known for his work with Air, Beck, and Phoenix, led the album’s production, ensuring a blend of personal reflection and musical innovation.
The album artwork, a night-time shot of downtown LA, mirrors the reflective nature of the record while also harking back to the band’s earlier albums. The imagery, captured by Stefan Ruiz, continues Travis’ tradition of presenting themselves amidst vast landscapes, highlighting their journey since their formation at the Glasgow School of Art in the 1990s.
Travis are also gearing up for a series of live performances, including joining The Killers on their UK arena tour this summer, with additional UK and European dates to be announced.
L.A. Times will be available in various formats, including digital, CD, and vinyl. A special limited deluxe 2CD package offers a stripped-back version of the album, featuring recordings from the band members’ living rooms in Glasgow and Los Angeles. Fans can look forward to limited edition green marble vinyl at HMV and indie stores and exclusive yellow vinyl and merchandise bundles available through the band’s official store.
Photo credit: Steve Gullick
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