Review: “All Y’all” – Travis Morrison Hellfighters

In most cases, the tides of post-breakup projects do little more than erode soil below high water marks left by the original line-up. Travis Morrison certainly fail victim to this reality on “Travistan“. Following up incredible albums such as “Emergency & I” and “Change” would have been challenging for indie’s most progressive band; it proved to be an impossible task for Travis Morrison to tackle alone.

While “Travistan” could be written off as complete disaster, it wasn’t. Travis shows he has clearly learned from “Travistan“ with the release of “All Y’all”. The most important lesson: Do not go it alone! Enter the “Travis Morrison Hellfighters“. While the Hellfighters‘ songs don’t reach the brain-splattering complexity found on “Change”; they are a refreshing throwback to a better time in indie pop. “All Y’all” is a more believable (not to mention a more desirable) progression to one of the founding bands of my contemporary musical awareness. The Hellfighters seem to possess all the tools that made the “Dismemberment Plan” so effective: a kicking dance beat, mesmerizing guitars, and a witty front man.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not claiming that “All Y’all” reaches the greatness of “Emergency & I” or “Change”. It’s not even close. I’m certain that is not the Hellfighter’s goal. However, this album surely is a vast improvement over “Travistan“; and it is one of the better albums to be released this year. I would say this is a must have for someone who still has no qualms with busting out some “Spider in the Snow”, “You are Invited”, or “Ellen and Ben” if only to pay tribute to the good ol’e days.

You can stream the full album on Barsuk’s web site.