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. 
 

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