“A Toast to Absent Friends…is not only an ambitious step forward in terms of songwriting, but also in its utilisation of the studio…a swirling journey that goes from the deepest of lows to the highest of highs …this one has that extra something that tips it over the edge.” – 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 independence…they 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 has received high rotation on the Nova 93.7 play list as well as consistent play on 96fm and JJJ since its official release in February (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 UK’s biggest commercial radio station. ‘The Mike Mendoza show’ considerably raised the bands profile through the shows average 16 million audience. 'A Toast to Absent Friends', produced and engineered by the band's silent 5th member, G.J. Snook, reflects a more innovative rock direction. Snook’s 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 today’s music listener, with their commitment to evolve as a band, ‘A Toast..’ is the undeniable result of a band claiming their significance.

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 Perth’s major venues with confidence and flair. Their mixture of sounds, stimulus and emotion creates a fusion of rock, soul and groove involving elements of light and dark. They take you inside their musical world and rock your mind and body with dynamic control and raw power.

“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

The delicate and soulful release of Masquerading showed the depth of the bands songs and their ability to transport their audience along the way. Through a rollercoaster of songs that took the crowd from shades of light to dark and back again. With a refreshing lack of pretension and a confident aura, Tourist go about the business of simply letting their songs speak for themselves, and for the crowd tonight, they speak in volumes. Matt Gardiner -2006-

‘In the not-too-distant future (May 24 in fact), Tourist will be making their UK radio debut (listen on www.talksport.net on Thursday at 9am Aussie time). A live interview, as well as the single ‘Hopeless’, will be broadcast to an audience of around sixteen million people. The band is the first West Australian act to feature on Steve ‘Shifty’ Sheldon’s radio segment, aimed at giving WA acts exposure in the UK.

Stephanie Chapman Base Magazine- 2006-

I have chosen Tourist as the first band to lead the way. I have absolute belief in them being received enthusiastically by a UK audience,” says Steve Sheldon, Australian Music Correspondent for TalkSPORT radio in the UK.-2006-

‘Micheal Franti and Spearhead recognise talent when they see it, which is why they invited Perth band Tourist to share the stage with them earlier this year’. Sandy Davidowiz- Community Times -2005 -

After two years of gigging and some impressive accolades for their performances along the way… Much is made of the passion and emotion in Tourist’s music Bob Gordon, The West Australian 2004

‘With spellbinding live shows and rave reviews… These guys are definitely going places’ Danielle Duhrig – eye4 magazine-2004

‘Each of Tourist’s songs was extremely tight and showcased not only their copious instrumental talent but their knowledge of what it takes to move an audience. Each song peaked and crested with a wave of energy and a rush of enthusiasm, drawing something physical out of the crowd they beheld’ Matt Giles, -ZebraHype Magazine-2003-

‘Amazement.. belts out the most amazing Doo Whaps and Ahh haas I have heard… More soul than a black man. Like the grandchild of soul…The James Brown of now…’ Frank P, Reactions -2005-

‘Brilliant… I think it’s great we have such talented up-and-coming artists breaking into the industry’. Jamie Durie -The Block (Channel 7)- 2005