The solo project of Melbourne/Naarm-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Tom Lee, Berlin Tourist is offering up their debut single in the form of the charged Get Out. It’s a sharp slice of lo-fi dark wave, incorporating gothic post-punk guitar, relentless drum machines and shimmering synths. At just over two minutes, the track hits its high and fades out before you even have time to catch your breath.
Finding inspiration in-part from DIY bedroom projects such as Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Eyedress and Washed Out, Berlin Tourist takes an innovative and experimental approach to their production and places this at the heart of their sound and creative process. A founding member and guitarist of shoegaze outfit Oceans, Tom has always been pushing boundaries with lush and adventurous sonic textures. And now with Berlin Tourist, he has found a vehicle to explore new genres, styles and instrumentation.
“I love using a drum machine in a live performance and really wanted to craft a sound around that. I also really like the idea of consuming music in a short thirty second sample, and challenged myself to write a song that can be appreciated in a short format.” – Tom Lee, Berlin Tourist
And while the track may be short, the themes of Get Out run deep. It delves into the nihilism of the music industry, explores ideas of generational inequality, and perhaps most prominently, focusses on the feelings of hopelessness currently felt by youth. In particular, the line “I wanna be dead because I wouldn’t be scared, I just want it to feel like it used to do” encapsulating the fears and emotions felt by so many in today’s climate, unsatisfied with reality and pining for a simpler time.
“We were sold a dream of getting a stable job, owning a house and living a happy life but were actually given a cost of living crisis, environmental decay and rampant capitalism. We yearn for a future where things make sense.” – Tom Lee, Berlin Tourist.
Get Out was recorded by Tom at his home, also handling production and mixing duties. Mastering was done by Joe Carra from Crystal Mastering.
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With thanks to Wild Gift PR
