The Fox Films fanfare played, the searchlights hunted through the crowd, and then the Rocky Getting Stronger theme blared from the sound system.

Waiting in the crowd for the aging Britpop band to make an appearance, I wondered what they would sound like in 2007. Travis began their career with All I Want To Do is Rock, a slow rock stomper that despite its mucky pace can still knock paint off any wall. They followed up with their second album, The Man Who, was Britain’s greatest album that year, bringing the band success and leaving an easy stepping stone for Coldplay the following year. This album was softer, but had more melody and honesty, with songs such as Why Does it Always Rain on Me and Writing to Reach You. Later albums dealt with more adult themes, having kids, losing loved ones, and general insecurities. Would they rock or would they roll on wheel chairs?

When I first saw Travis live, at my first Oasis concert in Radio City, they were unknowns, serving solely as background music for some of the lads waiting in line for beer. Still, they had the songs.

But now, With “Getting Stronger” coming from the sound system, Travis’s intent was clear. They were back after a few years and were ready for New York. The band ran through the crowd in boxing outfits, swinging punches in the air and giving five to fans nearby (myself included with Fran).

The set was strong, and longer than the previous night. Indeed, Fran Healy, the band’s frontman, said he had read online that fans thought the night before was too short, so he through in an extra song or two. The band was also generous with water bottles, throwing anywhere from 40 to 60 bottles into the sweating crowd. The set was full of tracks from The Man Who, all sounding as strong as ever. The new album had some highlights as well, with Selfish Jean being a stand-out track thanks to a live skit by The Daily Show’s Demetri (YouTube video embedded below). Demetri was covered in t-shirts with text related to the song, and managed to take different layers off every few seconds to match the lyrics in the music. Travis’s other albums made guest appearances as well, showing off their best overlooked gems.

The biggest complaint about Travis is their saccharine packed production, but walking out of the show with a smile, I didn’t mind.