Travel III

Chronique

The destination of Eric Owyoung's Travel trilogy is worth every step of the journey, culminating in the project's loudest and most volatile set. If the first of the three EPs was the "dream" of the series, then this is the "wake-up call," continuing with the band's experimental indie rock but now at double speed. Owyoung unleashes wildly layered alternative rock inspired by the craftsmanship of such greats as Arcade Fire, Radiohead, Kings of Leon, and even Coldplay's Kraftwerk-inspired "Violet Hill." It all comes together to punctuate the trilogy with exclamation points. Speaking of Coldplay, the track "Working to Be Loved" could have been lifted straight from Prospekt's March with its catchy yet unobtainable mix of strumming guitar and atmospheric keyboards. Dark beats and distortion also drive home the point on "Bold and Underlined" and "Protection." Owyoung leaves his most masterful and artistic work for the end of the series, leaving listeners with a reminder of just how many directions this multi-faceted indie group can go.

© Jared Johnson /TiVo