Intouríst artwork
Intouríst artwork

Intouríst

2024 · Melodic Revolution Records

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Intouríst

Release Date: May 3, 2024 Label: Melodic Revolution Records Produced by: Ian Beabout and Derek Ferguson

About the Album

Intouríst is where Refestramus became a band. Where the debut Decoupage assembled a rotating cast of internet collaborators, the second album locked in a core lineup — Derek Ferguson on drums, Jerry King on bass, Derek Pavlic on guitars and viola, and Rogelio Souza on keyboards — and pushed the songwriting deeper into classic prog territory.

The album weaves a narrative odyssey of otherworldly desires and heartfelt homecomings across eleven tracks, from the comet-trail rush of opener “DMK” to the spy-fiction absurdity of the “Intourist Suite” (featuring the recurring character Agent Mikrovolnovka — a name that sounds mysterious but is actually Russian for “microwave oven”) to the tender “Asunción,” a love letter to Paraguay. Multiple vocalists give the album a theatrical quality: Craig Cairns brings heavy rock gravitas, NIDA contributes blues-soaked power, and Ian Beabout and Nathan James round out the ensemble.

The music video for “Smiling,” directed by Anna Fokin and featuring Romanian actress Monica Pop as Agent M, premiered alongside the album release.

The album broke the top 20 of Jam Bands radio charts in August 2024, reaching #18 on the Jam Band charts and #211 on the Americana charts.

Track Listing

  1. DMK (7:32) — Inspired by the 1980s cult film Night of the Comet
  2. Asunción (3:46)
  3. The Devil Returns (6:19) — A fallen angel’s confession — mellow, grungy acid rock with jazzy saxophones and massive Jon Lord-esque organs
  4. Intourist Suite (11:30) — a. Nevalyashka (sung partially in Russian, references a self-righting Soviet toy), b. Agent M. vs The Sex Lizard (a televangelist encounters a gargoyle demon), c. Zombie Love (electronic/supernatural finale)
  5. Mr. Darwin (4:01) — “Crossroads”-style riff; Leon Van Egmond on harmonica
  6. Side Hustle (2:34)
  7. The Red Apple (3:33) — Based on Maxim Gorky’s literature — about a Romani horse thief, rejection, and longing
  8. Smiling (5:00) — A poignant meditation on concealing depression
  9. Mr. Skin — CD only bonus track (Spirit cover)
  10. The Red Apple (Acoustic) — Bonus
  11. Asunción (Española) — Bonus

Credits

Refestramus:

  • Derek Ferguson — Drums
  • Jerry King — Bass
  • Derek Pavlic — Guitars, Mellotron and Viola
  • Rogelio Souza — Keyboards

Associated Artists:

  • Ian Beabout — Vocals (Track 9), Flute (Track 6)
  • Nathan James — Vocals (Track 6)
  • Mitch Lawrence — Saxes (Tracks 3, 6, and 9)
  • Craig Cairns — Lead Vocals (Tracks 1, 3, 4, 7)
  • NIDA — Lead Vocals (Tracks 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11)
  • Denisse Ferrara — Vocals
  • Vedrana Lina — Vocals
  • Dave Newhouse — Accordion
  • Leon Van Egmond — Harmonica (Track 5)

Production:

  • All arrangements by Refestramus
  • Produced by Ian Beabout and Derek Ferguson
  • Mixed and Mastered by Ian Beabout

Press

“A home-cooked slice of melody-rich prog… pure ’70s retro pastiche, and the smile on its face is infectious.” — PROG Magazine

“High-brow concepts and bizarre comedic turns.” — PROG Magazine

“An album of many delights, great songs and excellent music. I have no reservations in recommending!” — Progradar

“A recommended listen for lovers of modern progressive music.” — Prog Rock Journal

“An excellent second effort from Refestramus.” — Exposé

“Despite a track titled ‘Zombie Apocalypse,’ the music sounds bright — almost happy.” — The Prog Thief

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