Ralph's been spinning tracks on his Radio KC Indie Show on a regular basis by Blackburn band New York Tourists who are interestingly described as QOTSA meets Foals.
Their debut EP received rave reviews from some of the UK's most respected music media outlets and Chew Me Up, Spit Me Out was selected as one of BBC Intro's top 10 tracks of 2013. Support slots followed, with the band bagging appearances alongside the likes of The Subways, The View, The Sunshine Underground and The Buzzcocks plus a headline slot on the Alt Stage at Blackburn Festival.
2014 saw New York Tourists release their next record, an EP called Dead Man's Leather via London based label Kittiwake Records. Again, noteable support slots followed with the band playing alongside We Are Scientists, The Cribs and Shed 7.
Earlier this year New York Tourists began recording their debut album which was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign. In June they played their biggest gig to date in front of 12,000 people as the main support to Status Quo.Well the good news is the kickstarter was successful and the You + Me album will be officially released on April 8th.
The You + Me album is composed of 10 tracks of anthemic Indie rock music which should seem them propelled from the local North West music scene to the headier hights of regular national radio play and the bigger festivals in 2017.Speaking of anthemic Indie music, the album kicks of with the impressive and addictive Colours before moving into the choppier and more pop-like Fear. Following on Fools gets meaner and moodier, with a gritty vocal overlaid on driving guitar, what's not to like.
It's Call after that with a dirty bass and sleazy vocal which made it a perfect pick as a single previously. Then Adrenaline kicks in before getting heavier again with Two Heartbeats. Then it's the eponymous and aggressive You + Me, and it's got to be a live favourite.
On an album of continually strong tracks Lost Love is for me the weakest, but that's me being picky and it's OK as they quickly step it up a gear with the in-your-face A Kick In The Teeth before rounding off with the dreamy and extremely radio-friendly Sirens.
With this album Blackburn's favourite sons New York Tourists are making themselves heard and certainly not to be missed live. Speaking of which, check out their gig listings below...
New York Tourists Live Dates:
27th March - White Bull Festival, Chorley
2nd April - King Georges Hall, Blackburn
8th April - Jakaranda, Liverpool
15th April - Box, Glasgow
16th April - The Blacksmith Arms,Doncaster
23rd April - Engine Rooms, Skelmersdale
29th April - Blind Tiger, Bolton
29th May- Darwen Live, Darwen Library Theatre
30th May - Darwen Live, The Belgrave
22nd - 24th July - Blackthorn Music Festival
29th July - Kendal Calling Festival
