Tourists
Torquay, England, United Kingdom | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF
Music
Press
The rise of indie-popping, dream-synth music has been inspired of late, with many acts crawling out of the cracks to debut their otherworldly pop mantras. The genre was honed by the likes of Foals and Hurts, but now it is time for the world to take note of Torquay-based visionaries Tourists.
The five-piece formed in 2013 and since then, following a line-up switcheroo and launch of two EPs, Tourists have released their most accomplished single to date.
Initially Quiet Room lacks bite, beginning in no man’s land, but is later nourished with heavy bass. The sweet spot lies in the honeyed vocals, which invite you along on a journey of lost love, religion and growth. Pedal-ridden guitar melodies explore new heights and make way for elements of ‘90s synth, Daft Punk style. The piquant trance is the vital ingredient that sets it apart from lesser indie tracks. Just when the song couldn’t possibly offer more, a short sample of Stephen Fry discussing the importance of religious unbelief is layered over plinky guitars.
It is a melting pot of indie, electronic and funk – a glimmer of hope in the murky, muddled world of synth pop. Remix fanatics are sure to have a field day with this release, as it sets the perfect premise for summer experimentation.
Advocates of Tourists include BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing and XFM. They have been creating quite a storm, landing themselves in Spotify’s Global Viral 50 chart and performing as part of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend build up.
The band’s summer tour is comprised of five dates across the South West and their first headline show in London. This is in anticipation for the release of their debut album, which is due to be produced by James Bragg.
There is a mesmerising confidence in these boys that is ever-present, quietly though. From earning fans in high places to building their increasing online presence, the Devon-based band never seem to stop.
Their sound is distinctive, despite clear influences. Quiet Room is layer upon layer of sugar-spun, sky is the limit utopia, packed into six minutes. If Tourists’ Quiet Room really is a mellow, effortless haven, we can’t wait to enter. - Candid Magazine
Tourists have been creating some awesome pop inspired indie rock as of late. With “Quiet Room”, they once again succeed in producing sunny feel good harmonies that have you wanting to sway back and forth.
From the perfectly placed guitar and synth, to the inviting vocals and sampling of Stephen Fry, this is another track that can totally be added to your feel good summer playlist.
Tourists are Jamie Giles, Scott Morton, Matthew White, Lloyd Bastow, and Tom Wilkinson. - The Revue
Five-piece band Tourists today release their brand new 80’s synth-led track, ‘Drive’, premiering here exclusively on Spindle.
Hailing from Torquay, the band new release is heavily saturated in 80’s nostalgia while simultaneously staying true to their “dream-pop” style, as well as giving a nod to Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 movie masterpiece, Drive, with can be seen in the single artwork and music video below. Inspired by the retro neon glow of the 80’s, stylistically and sonically speaking, this track is drenched in the sound and aesthetic of one of the best decades in music history.Following their latest single ‘Quiet Room’ back in June which received praise from BBC Radio 1 and Huw Stephens, a run of summer shows and being showcased on BBC introducing, the band have continued to work alongside producer James Bragg at Middle Farm Studios in Devon while recording their debut LP.
Watch the music video to accompany the new single below, created by Brighton-based filmmaker Kenny McCracken: - Spindle
Torquay-based fivesome Tourists are today premiering the accompanying video clip for infectious dream-rock single "Cut And Run".
Produced by Brighton-based filmmaker/photographer Kenny McCracken, the video is a compilation of headshots that depict sober moments of "emotions that collide in the early stages of a relationship" for a handful of subjects.
The track only amplifies this thematic angle, where hazy guitar and 60s organ manifest as melodic and emotionally driven post-punk.
Watch/listen below.
Read more at http://earmilk.com/2016/04/18/watch-the-new-clip-for-tourists-single-cut-and-run/#4mwX7MltlMf8PZUB.99 - EARMILK
Tourists rhyme the words “dead or alive” with “dignified”, because they can do whatever the hell they want. The Torquay-based five-piece have a knack for dreamy beach pop with a sinister edge, ‘Cut and Run’ merging a patchwork style with giant, sky-reaching guitar lines and arty intentions. - DIY
Tourists took their foot off the gas last year.
Heading back into the studio, the group focussed on their songwriting, really honing and refining each idea.
Now they're ready to return. New cut 'All We Do Is Pretend' will be released on August 18th, and Clash has first play.
A lush return, the jagged guitar lines are matched against gossamer synths and vocals that betray a pop ambition.
A bold return, you can check it out below. - CLASH
Discography
Fear Grows - EP (November 2012)
Hidden Desires - EP (August 2013)
All We Do Is Pretend - Single (September 2015)
Cut and Run - Single (February 2016)
Quiet Room - Single (June 2016)
Drive - Single (November 2016)
Photos
Bio
A blend of melodic, dreamy beach-pop with a darker, more sinister edge, Dream-pop five-piece Tourists combine elements of shoegaze and 80’s synth-pop with deeper-rooted post-punk influences. Following a successful 2016, the band recently playing a live showcase for BBC Introducing and a gig for BBC Radio 1’s The Academy. Their previous single Cut and Run landed in Spotify’s Global Viral 50 earning 450,000 hits, with following singles Quiet Room and Drive becoming firm favourites among top music taste-makers.
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