Los Angeles experienced a bit of Scotland to close out at the end of January - and it’s not just because we experienced a lot of rain for the first time in months. Scottish indie legends Travis stopped by the Wiltern for a sold-out show that celebrated the city of LA and the Scotsmen’s homeland. In celebration of their 10th studio album, written and recorded in Los Angeles and fittingly titled L.A. Times, Travis made the City of Angels feel like their home away from home.

To open the show, Akira Galaxy - the real name of a 24-year-old Los Angeles alt-pop singer and not an anime-inspired band - opened for Travis with an understated yet memorable performance. Akira's dream pop vocals were simultaneously full-bodied and sweetly angelic, only accompanied by a guitarist, a synthesizer, and occasionally her guitar. Her most recent EP, What’s Inside You - fittingly produced by Chris Coady, who’s worked with Beach House and the Kills - feels like a solid first effort from an artist who has so much potential to become a headlining act in her own right. Her modern rock edge and an 80s dreamy synth influence will resonate with a big audience. Her glittery outfit sparkled beneath purple, red, and soft blue lights during her set as she enthusiastically danced across the stage. (Note: Only days after this performance, Akira shared on her Instagram that burglars had broken into the band’s van and stolen all their gear. They have a GoFundMe fund for anyone interested in helping them out.)

The sold-out audience couldn’t have been more welcoming when Travis finally took the stage. Opening with “Bus” from L.A. Times, the band immediately set the tone of the night with lyrics like “Staring at the ocean from a window on the hillside / [...] Waiting on a gust of wind to blow us away / Away to better days, away to better days,” Fran Healy certainly captured the feeling of being in LA in January 2025. Without dwelling too much on the negative, the band allowed the evening to be an escape from everything happening outside the walls of the venue. After playing an early crowd favorite, “Driftwood,” Healy – a resident of Los Angeles himself – affectionately spoke to the crowd, acknowledging what a challenging month it’s been for the city and the people here due to the recent fires that have affected vast parts of the city. He noted how this show might be the first night of enjoyment that people have had in a while and how he wanted to make something of that. (Note: This was my first show since I almost lost my house to the Eaton Fire, and Healy was correct. His sensitivity around recent events touched me.)

Regarding performance, I’m happy to report that Travis hasn’t lost their vulnerability or signature sound when playing live. The band, who recently had the opportunity to open for the Killers during UK shows this past summer, certainly opened themselves up to younger audiences. Fans of all ages filled the Wiltern, and happy faces glowed under the band’s lights as Healy’s electric-red hair stood out against impressive visuals behind the band. Large blue ocean waves danced on the screen behind the band during “Driftwood,” while bright yellow figures lit up the reflective stage during “Love Will Come Through.” Standout fan-favorite tracks like “Sing,” “Side,” and “Closer” brought people on the balcony to their feet and made for great singalong moments.

The best part of the evening was how Healy and the band kept the energy positive and uplifting for the entirety of the night. Even during the more emotional and touchy tracks like “Good Feeling,” the performance still felt like we were all there to experience something joyful. Live music still has been a safe space for so many, and artists like Travis recognize that. Their songs mean something to people and carry weight with them that allows for a brief 90-minute escape. Fran Healy’s banter and Travis’ showmanship made the concert intimate and heartfelt in a way that I think the people of LA needed, whether they knew it or not.

AKIRA GALAXY

TRAVIS