The first solo effort from
Travis frontman
Fran Healy,
Wreckorder is a soft, moody, and introspective affair that draws upon
Healy's taste for melodic singer/songwriter pop and alt-folk. Hewing closest to the darker, less radio-friendly aspects of
Travis' catalog,
Wreckorder may be a bit of a challenge to fans hoping for something along the lines of such catchy
Travis songs as "Sing" and "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" That said, there are certainly some standout moments here, including
Healy's duet with Canadian chanteuse
Neko Case on "Sing Me to Sleep," the brooding, rolling anthem "Shadow Boxing," and
Sir Paul McCartney's bass-playing cameo on the wry, tango-meets-reggae ballad "As It Comes."
Healy's yearning, earthy croon is well intact here, and although he doesn't try to upstage his main band's act, longtime
Travis fans and anybody in the mood for heartfelt, smartly crafted folk-pop should find much to enjoy on
Wreckorder. ~ Matt Collar