TOURISTS hail from Torquay, where the english-riviera juxtaposes against the melancholy of suburban decline. Perhaps a product of its environment, “Another State” pairs driving post-punk rhythms with ghostly reverb-laden vocals, accented by layers of circling synths. 

The album opener builds from a simple snare and sample loop into a swirling soundscape with layers of keys, guitars and vocals, which sets the tone for the album. The 11-track debut mixes post-punk rhythms with laconic vocals and glass-bright guitar and synth melodies.

During album highlights (‘Smokescreen’, ‘Faults’) the band effortlessly glide from Joy Division-esque simplicity to soaring psychedelic noise, where the introspective vocals compliment rather than lead the compositions. Tourists deploy these contrasting tones throughout the album managing to find a distinctive sound that respectfully nods to the past but still sounds relevant in 2020.

It’s a fine balancing act between texture and confusion and at times it feels like they’ve added one layer too many or have congested things with another resolving synth hook. In the tracks ‘Align’ and ‘Perception Management’ I found myself getting a little lost in the keyboards and guitars that border being overly repetitive. The instrumental “Black Friday” provides a tonic to this and sets up a strong final third to the album.

The album closer and title track is a fitting ending, beginning with the coastal sounds of Torbay’s gulls before a rising swell that draws on 60’s surf-rock and 80’s synth-pop resolves to comfortable, solitary guitar chords. 

Another State is a mature effort from the Devon 5-piece who have crafted a distinct yet familiar sound. The album offers moments of drifting escapism that wanders into occasional numbness, but overall maintains interest and compels another listen.

Review by Dan Ryan