Another State

True to its title, Another State by Tourists, with its heavy synthetic vibrations of the keyboard, offers a hazy, floating escape from reality. There are quiet echoes and drifting thoughts of society, law and drugs, enveloped in a kaleidoscopic trip, creating immersive synergy. Some of the lyrics are sensual and intimate without being too overly romantic and seductive; the album is straightforward yet wrapped around the fancy trappings of dream-like production and instrumental direction.

Silent Type opens with feel-good old-timey vibes and vocals drowning in an oceanic atmosphere. The track sways with chilled psychedelia that shakes bones and induces goosebumps. Keyboard resonance rings through the artist’s anxiety-fueled thematic exploration of introversion. Still, it’s a mystical and comforting start to the collection. A natural progression from Silent Type is Align. The hypnotic lull of the rhythm draws listeners in, perfectly reflecting the sentimental drawl of the lyrics.

Smokescreen is rough around the edges. The mismatched oscillation of the melody gives weight to the friction between personal desires and what society perceives as ideal and normal. This is a dissonance perfectly summed up in that last line: “it’s not what you need, but it’s what they believe”. Following after is a calm break from the overwhelming immersion of the previous numbers in Faults, which gives more clarity through quiet and honest lyricism. If this record were poetry, this song would be the volta: the dramatic turn of thought and emotion.

Lego Man steadily climbs back to heavy production but maintains that consistent thread of tranquility borrowed from Faults. Perception Management picks up the playlist with balanced and well-coordinated strums. The vocal echoes blend seamlessly with the instruments, creating a cohesive listen which is further enhanced by the techno beats and synths of the keyboard. This track delivers drugged-up musings on class division.

Another State is slow and quiet, a peaceful closer that pulls listeners back into those same beach sounds found in Silent Type. But this time, the song isn’t suffocated by the lyrics; it’s loose and adventurous. While it only offers a temporary escape – emphasised by the insistence that “we can’t stay too long,”– it is a fitting end to this kind of album.

Mae Trumata
Photo: Aubrey Simpson

Another State is released on 20^th November 2020. For further information or to order the album visit The Tourists’ website here.

Watch the video for Another State here: