Traffic by Anotherstory: A Brit-Pop Gem That Still Honks Its Horn Loud
Alright, let’s talk about Traffic, the 2006 album from UK-based band Anotherstory. Released under Control Yourself Records, this record is a quirky little mash-up of Rock and Pop with some serious Indie Pop and Brit Pop vibes sprinkled in. It’s not perfect—heck, it doesn’t even try to be—but there’s something oddly charming about its scrappy energy. And yeah, I know what you’re thinking: “Traffic? Really?” But stick with me here because this thing has got character.
First off, let’s dive into the title track, "Traffic." This song hits like a caffeinated bus driver on a Monday morning. The opening riff grabs your attention right away—it’s simple but sticky as gum on a shoe. Then comes the chorus, all punchy and loud, kinda like someone yelling at you to move out of their way (in the best possible way). What makes it memorable isn’t just the hooks; it’s how unapologetically chaotic it feels. Like, imagine being stuck in an actual traffic jam, but instead of honking horns making you mad, they start sounding… fun? Weird analogy, sure, but that’s exactly what this track does—it turns frustration into something catchy AF.
Then there’s "Easy Now," which flips the vibe entirely. If "Traffic" is the rowdy pub crowd spilling pints everywhere, "Easy Now" is the chill mate in the corner nursing his drink while giving life advice. The melody’s smooth, almost dreamy, with vocals that feel like they’re floating over the instrumentation. There’s no rush here—it’s one of those songs where you find yourself zoning out halfway through, only to snap back when the guitar solo kicks in. Honestly, if I had to pick one track to play during a late-night drive, this would be it. It’s low-key hypnotic without trying too hard.
Now, don’t get me wrong—this album ain’t reinventing the wheel or anything. Tracks like "So Average" live up to their name a bit too well, blending into the background rather than standing out. But hey, sometimes average can still hit the spot, y’know? Plus, the inclusion of the "Traffic (Radio Edit)" shows the band knew what they were doing—they wanted radio stations to eat this up, and honestly, who could blame them?
Looking back, Traffic might not have set the world ablaze, but it’s got charm for days. Listening to it now feels like rediscovering an old mixtape you forgot you made—it’s messy, heartfelt, and full of personality. You won’t hear any groundbreaking production tricks or mind-blowing lyrics, but that’s okay. Sometimes music just needs to feel real, warts and all.
And honestly? After listening to Traffic, I couldn’t help but wonder—what if Anotherstory decided to write a whole album inspired by other boring everyday things? Imagine tracks called “Overdue Library Book” or “Stale Biscuits.” Would anyone listen? Probably not. But hey, maybe that’s why Traffic works so well—it takes something mundane and gives it just enough flair to make you care.
So yeah, give this album a spin if you’re into raw, unfiltered Brit Pop vibes. Just don’t expect perfection—because sometimes, imperfection is exactly what makes something worth remembering.
