Travisty
Theory – Silver Spoon
By Mark Hensch
In the increasingly crowded world of alternative
rock, many bands struggle to find a place of artistic integrity amongst
all the other copy cats. In a large and very crowded scene such as this,
it is safe to assume that Travisty Theory has a lot going against them.
However, after listening to their album Silver Spoon, I have a feeling
that Travisty Theory will overcome such odds.
The vocals on this album are insightful,
intelligent, unique, and oftentimes witty. Led by frontman Travis Harvey,
even the band's moniker is a cathy and interesting wordplay. In my mind
the lyrical talents are what make Travisty Theory so unique; whoever writes
the band's songs knows how to keep things appealing to the everyday Joe
but still impress more cynical listeners at the same time, no easy feat.
Travis isn't alone is this however; he has a tight backing instrumentality.
Guitarists Jesse Owen Austin and Justin Sudduth provide textbook, tight,
alternative while Tony Belser sets nice mood with his drumming and Chadwick
Rodgers plays consistent and subtle bass.
"4 a Minute" is a sad and pessimistic take
on small-town life that is nice alternative rock. It's chorus is strangely
edited, which caught me off guard, but the gist is still able to be determined.
Travis hits some nice yowls towards the end, and a bluesy solo ends things
on a high impact. "At Any Price" is a mellow song with a chorus that thaws
out into explosive rock. It's kind of dreamy and the lyrics are darker
and a little bit frightening. "More Than It's Worth" starts off as a Goo-Goo
Dolls like acoustic ballad, but by its chorus and later verses, has lapsed
into sharper rock & roll. The rhythm guitar has a twangy backdrop on
the chorus that is kind of cool, and again the band showcases their budding
pop sensibilities by closing the song with a powerful acoustic to distorted
final chorus. "Better Then Money" has a long, building melancholy intro.
It's one of my favorite songs on this disc, and the guitar parts are emotional
and sincere. The vocals hit the next level here with terse shouts and interesting
notes. "Hole in my Soul" comes in with a soft drum beat, dreamy pop rock,
and softer vocals. The chorus has the all the edge of a pair of safety
scissors. This song is kind of interesting for some odd reason. "To Hurt
and to Hurt Again" has a sweet verse guitar structure that is dirty and
mellow. This song is a little sinister but somehow retains a poppy feel
to it. Title track "Silver Spoon" has some piano keys and soft guitar to
lead us into a defeated blusey topping by rhythm guitarist Justin Sudduth
that soon balloons into double guitar experimentation. A strong and fitting
title track indeed. "Blame" oozes in with some quieter melodies before
taking a slightly more punch roller verse. "Don't Look Back" is a above
average ballad that is awesome. "One Small Step" is another drum intro
track laden with some nice riffs later on. "I Want You" is another softer
tune that would be welcome on most radio stations the country over. With
every song on this album, I continue to realize how talented the rhythm
guitar parts are on this CD are. "Never Again" is a faster paced song that
finishes the album on a high note indeed.
This album is a surprise. As it goes on,
Travisty Theory steps up again and again, upping the ante of their musical
talent with almost every song. The bluesy vocals and guitar parts with
an alternative twist are tight and fresh. The vocals are consistent, witty,
and above-and-beyond the call of duty we the listeners have come to expect
from run-of-the-mill alt bands. Let's just say that there isn't even a
hint of "Travesty" to this album.
CD Info
Travisty
Theory – Silver Spoon
Rating: 
Tracks:
1. 4 a Minute
2. At Any Price
3. More Than It's Worth
4. Better Than Money
5. Hole In My Soul
6. To Hurt and to Hurt Again
7. Silver Spoon
8. Blame
9. Don't Look Back
10. One Small Step
11. I Want You
12. Never Again
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