Tourist
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Music
Press
Tourist Press
5/10/2006
TOURIST - Absent-Minded
Launching their third mini-album, A Toast To Absent Friends, with a free show at the Left Bank on Saturday, October 7, Tourist are yet again proving they aren’t afraid of a little bit of work.
For several years now, Tourist have been putting everything into their band. Time, money, heart and soul. Facing a hurdle last year when some total wanker stole nearly 20 grand’s worth of their gear, Tourist were understandably rattled. Rather than bowing out, though, the setback simply made the band more determined.
“The whole lot. Everything,” explains drummer Steve ‘Richo’ Richardson of the band’s stolen gear. “A huge part of how the band sounds was the gear we had, so we’ve had to try and replace some stuff that isn’t really replaceable,” he says, understandably dismayed but otherwise quite Zen about it all. “I guess that was a point where we moved on a little bit from where we were too. We just did what we had to do… keep going.”
Calmly, the band nod in agreement. While there is no compensation for having to replace a lifetime’s worth of prized possessions, Tourist’s ability to look at the situation and keep on truckin’ is amazing. As one of the many catalysts for what would become a new direction for the band with A Toast To Absent Friends, the theft put the band to the test. A test they passed with flying colours.
As a band, months and months after the whole thing, Tourist sit at the table, beaming over their new CD. It has been a frustrating ride to get from there to there, but in the process a band found out who they really were.
“This CD was a revelation for us,” Richo says sincerely, “and I think it kind of proved to us what we’re really capable of. We just went ‘fuck it, we’re not a commercial band and we’re not going to be, so let’s not even factor that in to the writing’. You know? There’s so many bands around at the moment who are just ripping off The Beatles, and people are all over it. We didn’t want to be one of those bands that just sounds like someone else. We didn’t want to play it safe and write something for radio.”
What he says is absolutely true, and one of the most hilarious trends in music and music criticism of the moment. So many bands are currently being thrown hyperbolic lauding about how ‘genius’ it is that they’re heavily influenced by Sgt Peppers-era Beatles. Yeah, it’s total unpredictable creative madness to be influenced by the single biggest, most well-known and universally-loved band of all time. Who would ever think of doing such a crazy thing like that!
“It’s so much harder to do your own thing,” adds guitarist Luka. “Anyone can sound like someone else because it’s already there for you to follow.”
“Why would anyone want to do that though? Part of creating something is that it’s your stamp on the world. It’s your chance to leave your mark,” finishes Richo.
Such motivation is all over Tourist’s new record. The most ambitious and creative release the band have thus far adventured, A Toast To Absent Friends is a swirling journey that goes from the deepest of lows to the highest of highs. Recorded by a man Tourist consider to be their fifth member – GJ Snook – the mini-album is an accomplishment for independence. Not so much in the sense that Tourist financed the thing themselves, as most bands do that, but in the sense that they truly walked their own path with the music.
“It’s like ‘we’ve arrived’,” says Richo, again receiving nods of agreement from his bandmates. “I think everything we’ve done in the past has built up to this, but this is definitely where we’re going. Before we recorded we decided that we’d spend the money on recording gear, instead of just going to a studio, so that way we’d always have the gear, and could record whenever we wanted to. So, we bought some stuff [a Mac and a MOTU for those of you into gear] and our sound guy [Snook] recorded us.
“He is seriously like another member of this band, so he knows us inside out, and he just knew exactly what we wanted, and how we should sound,” everyone agrees.
The results show as much. A Toast To Absent Friends is not only an ambitious step forward in terms of songwriting, but also in its utilisation of the studio. While Tourist’s previous records have always sounded well-produced, this one has that extra something that tips it over the edge.
The band are very quick to lay thanks for that on Snook. Another factor that cannot be overlooked, however, is Tourist’s own chemistry. Best mates, brothers, school friends… Tourist has all of these elements. Even when facing unfortunate events, or unforeseeable sidetracks from their path, the boys tend to band together and plough ahead. This band, as Richo points out, is based on passion and drive.
“We all want to be doing this. It’s not like there’s much money in it, or we don’t have other things going on, it’s just that this is what we want to do. Music is our life.”
X-p - X-Press
Hundreds filled the Left Bank for the launch of Tourist's latest release "A Toast to Absent Friends". Perfect October weather, a laid-back funky crowd and a full moon shining over the band made for a perfect start to the evening. The band kicked off with "Gridlock", a track from the new EP. This was a great introduction to the talented musicianship of all band members….
Pumping drum lines captured the crowd's attention, initiating everyone to Steve's precision and groove. This, accompanied with the smooth synchronised riffs executed by the bass player and lead guitarist throughout the night, enabled the melodies to shine. Lead singer 'Dave' sings with such passion and intense emotion, the music demands to be listened to.
Although displaying a definite rock influence, Tourist bring a distinctly original element to their music. Funky grooves coupled with precise, understated use of pedals and effects, separate these guys from a standard rock outfit. Combine this with pure vocals and raw emotion and you have a strikingly unique sound.
As well as projecting a unique sound, Tourist played a variety of styles throughout the night. Although primarily playing songs from the new EP, the band performed some recently written material and a number of popular tracks from previous releases. This got people dancing and had fans singing along to some favourites.
They kept the whole performance interesting by interchanging a range of styles and song pace. After working the crowd with their rockiest material they brought out "Hopeless", the single from the new EP. All eyes were on Dave as he captured the audience with his stunning vocals. Supported with the backing of three very talented musicians, Dave projects a sense of quiet confidence when performing.
Tourist's impeccable sense of timing is one of their greatest assets, this coming through in all songs. The band comes across as being original, well-rehearsed, talented and unpretentious. As an audience member you feel as if the band is inviting you to share in their love of music and enjoy their creations. There were many happy punters out there listening to Tourist for the first time and this launch was a great opportunity for them to hear a wide range of their impressive material.
Impeccable timing, raw emotion
Talented musicians, obvious devotion
Smooth guitar and bass work, minimal effects
Incredible drum lines, funky riffs
Pure vocals, passionate playing
Original Perth Band - 'Tourist', the name
Let Steve, Mike, Luke & Dave
Capture your attention & blow you away.
(Skye Fitzgerald)
- Skye Fitzgerald
Discography
2005: The Places We All Go E.p.
Single 'Truth' received
W.A. Artist of the Month on Nova 93.7 in June
Chosen for 'Planet Rock' National Rotation
And continues to get rotation until 2006
Finalist in Next Big Thing and 'Truth' on
2005: NBT Compilation CD #9
'Hopeless' finalist in WAM song of the year
2006:Truth on SLAM compilation #4
2006: Hopeless Mini E.p. Released
Hopeless gains high rotation on Nova 93.7 in March
Showcased on Triple JJJ Roots and All program.
Chosen for 108.9fm Talksport Radio segment 'Mike Mendoza' show in U.K. to 16 million audience with Live interview and selected songs from latest release.
2006:Hopeless on SLAM compilation #5
2006: A Toast to Absent Friends E.p. released
Hopeless in 8th month of high Nova 93.7 rotation
2007: Febuary 'Hopeless' wins #1 spot on U.K. radio Whiteroom 10 competition, edging out acts from U.K., U.S., and Australia.
Photos
Bio
Tourist have hit back with a new e.p. that is an declaration of musical brilliance and brimming originality.
Mike Wafer, X-Press October, 2006-
After four years of hard work and solid commitment to forging and crafting their sound, Perth rockers Tourist have taken some huge steps forward this year and seem destined to have a huge impact this summer. Their third release, the new mini-album A Toast to Absent Friends (launched in October) has been an accomplishment for independencethey truly walked their own path with the music.
The new Tourist offering follows the hugely successful first single, Hopeless, which was nominated for WAM song of the year (2005) and is still receiving high rotation on the Nova 93.7 play list, as well as consistent play on 96fm and JJJ since its official release in Febuary (2006).
Proving that the power of first class songwriting can transcend industry hype and fickle trends, Tourist were hand picked by writer/producer Dave Courtney, (Roger Daltrey, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, David Gilmore) in June 2006 for a segment on UKs biggest commercial radio station. The Mike Mendoza show considerably raised the bands profile through the shows average 16 million audience. Jan 2007 saw the band being voted by the UK public into the top 10 unsigned tracks for the year, then in Febuary the band were voted #1 track for 'Hopeless' on UK radio's largest commercial station.
'A Toast to Absent Friends', produced and engineered by the band's silent 5th member, G.J. Snook, reflects a more innovative rock direction. Snooks ambient and unique production style blends the bands compelling songs. From the epic second single Rollercoaster, to the hauntingly beautiful Masquerading, this is the bands most cohesive set yet.
After four years together, some impressive accolades and a continued allegiance to their music, Tourist has finally arrived as a band enduring the mercurial nature of todays music listener, with their commitment to evolve as a band, A Toast.. is the undeniable result of a band claiming their significance.
www.touristband.com.au info@touristband.com.au
After their 2004 debut e.p. The Places We All Go.. and the subsequent first single Truth entering commercial radio play-lists through Nova and Planet Rock nationally, Tourist has some impressive accolades under their belt. As well as playing Perths major venues with confidence and flair. Their mixture of sounds, stimulus and emotion creates a fusion of rock, soul and deep grooves that involve elements of light and dark. They take you inside their musical world and rock your mind and body with dynamic control and raw power.
Press Reviews
The most ambitious and creative release the band have thus far adventured, A Toast To Absent Friends is a swirling journey that goes from the deepest of lows to the highest of highs.the mini-album is an accomplishment for independence...in the sense that they truly walked their own path with the music
Mike Wafer- X-Press Magazine
Hundreds filled the Left Bank for the launch of Tourist's latest release "A Toast to Absent Friends". Perfect October weather, a laid-back funky crowd and a full moon shining over the band made for a perfect start to the evening. The band kicked off with "Gridlock", a track from the new EP. This was a great introduction to the talented musicianship of all band members.
Pumping drum lines captured the crowd's attention, initiating everyone to Steve's precision and groove. This, accompanied with the smooth synchronised riffs executed by the bass player and lead guitarist throughout the night, enabled the melodies to shine. Lead singer 'Dave' sings with such passion and intense emotion, the music demands to be listened to.
Although displaying a definite rock influence, Tourist bring a distinctly original element to their music. Funky grooves coupled with precise, understated use of pedals and effects, separate these guys from a standard rock outfit. Combine this with pure vocals and raw emotion and you have a strikingly unique sound.
As well as projecting a unique sound, Tourist played a variety of styles throughout the night. Although primarily playing songs from the new EP, the band performed some recently written material and a number of popular tracks from previous releases. This got people dancing and had fans singing along to some favourites.
They kept the whole performance interesting by interchanging a range of styles and song pace. After working the crowd with their rockiest material they brought out "Hopeless", the single from the new EP. All eyes were on Dave as he captured the audience with his stunning vocals. Supported w
Links