Tourist

"Tourist formed in late 2000 and while not yet a household name, seem poised on the brink of Indie-rock greatness. The impressive debut album a fresh collection of British tinged rock songs."

- Natasha Francois, New Zealand Musician, Oct 2006

"I've lived with the beautiful new disc you sent for several weeks now (at home, in the car and at the office), and I must say you REALLY have an incredible piece of work there! Very, strong song writing, remarkable performance, truly inventive production and a very healthy attitude! Simply put; One of the best discs in the genre I've heard in a long, long time!"

- Peter Holmstead, Entertainment Network (Sweden), Oct 2006

"With their impressive debut album Minutes Last For Years, recorded in Cardiff by a producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the British rock scene; their publishing held by an American company; and interest from Europe—they seem to be doing something very right. One listen to their powerful album—launched at the Kings Arms this October—and it is easy to hear how they could be accepted by both Indie-rock and mainstream audiences."

- Graham Reid, View Auckland, Oct 2006

"Hard working Auckland rock band Tourist have released their debut album Minutes Last for Years. A highly polished rock outing for a band destined for great things. Mature melodies and harmonies meld together on these anthems creating a cerebral experience as well as a toe tapping one! Recorded both here in NZ and in Wales, Minutes Last for Years is a well sculpted album. Well worth a peek."

- NZ MUSIC, Oct 2006

"The best way to describe their sound is to take one dose of U2 (the early era), mix it with Manic Street Preachers and add a touch of that typical 'down under' sound of Aussie rock. There's a certain feeling going through the whole album with a mood that the band has managed to capture within the recordings of these 11 songs, the music feels close with a nerve that you can almost touch and that's a good sign because music is an art which is all about moving people. I hope other reviewers won't accuse them as being Coldplay clones because Tourist are more than just your average pop/rock band in the Coldplay vein, their debut contains 41 minutes that will last for years."

- Kaj Roth, Melodic.net (Sweden), Oct 2006

"Tourist's first full-length album is solid, original, fully rocking. Produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, The Feelers, Pluto), these four young Aucklanders have only been together since 2000, but sound like they've been playing hard out for decades." - Shelley Howells, AIR NEW ZEALAND MAGAZINE, Nov 2006

"Produced in an effort spanning from Cardiff (Wales) to Auckland’s York Street Studios, Tourist’s debut album is a labour of love that is immediately evident from its first lush chords. Embracing a sweeping and ethereal sound, 'Minutes Last For Years' does indeed have an international feel that propels the band from its North Shore roots. The production of the album is impressive on the Trident TSM40 mixing desk and frontman Peter Rudd was nominated as a finalist in this year’s International Songwriting Competition for the single Do You Feel The Cold? from Tourist’s previous EP. A sterling effort given the competition received over 15,000-odd entries! The first single off the new album, 'Did You Kill Your Love', is a toe-tapper from way back. Tight and slick with hints of Coldplay, this album won’t be available until the end of October. But, it will be well worth the wait!

- Erena Hodgkinson, TEARAWAY, Oct 2006

"When I first had a listen to Tourist I really enjoyed the single Do You Feel the Cold? – it had a great rhythm and was really tight. Tourist are a fresh New Zealand band that I have confidence in getting very big because they are so original – it’s not every day you hear a rock band playing with an organ as they do on the track Island Song. The great thing about Tourist is that they are very soft and easy, the type of music you can listen to ANY where, any time. The only down side is that at times it does get a little bit whingy and whiny, but like most great bands they get up and over it quickly and start to focus on the rock n’ roll. Tourist play from the heart, with a passion. The best tracks on this CD would have to be Do You Feel the Cold? And Free Your Mind, because they are the kind of songs you and your mates can listen to and sing-a-long to on rainy days. In the end it’s a great new Kiwi band that I predict will go far."

- Rip It Up

"You may recognise the name from a few live bills and they certainly have kept themselves busy over the last four years....it's the second EP from Auckland quartet Tourist. Do You Feel the Cold? is a strong, self-released cluster of tracks displaying the musical abilities of the band and their natural ear for melody and composition. The title track was produced by Welshman Greg Haver, who's worked with some top-notch (welsh) artists: Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia, Super Furry Animals, and has already made an impression on the edgier end of commercial radio, which is justified but by no means to be taken for granted. The following four tracks don't let the side down either, the gentle 'Island Song' and the pastoral rock rock of 'This Town', if not standing out then at least helping to back-up the bands sturdy statement." - Real Groove Magazine

“Tourist have received extensive airplay with their Coldplayesque single Do You Feel the Cold on the bNet and on Channel Z. They received a NZ On Air recording grant, as well as a video grant for the song, and were one of the first bands to take advantage of the Positively Wellington Business scheme, receiving an additional $1500 for filming their video in the capital city. They plan to take their music to the masses over summer and with two EPs behind them (the first 'Beginning of the World' was released in 2002), and an album planned for early next year, they have a lengthy set list. "We're looking at playing at just about anything and everything we can get," says Ranger. For now the goal is to get their EP out there and "...sell as many as we possibly can." Visit to purchase the EP - it comes highly recommended.”

- New Zealand Musician Magazine