Hailing from multiple locations in the western hemisphere, ranging from Salt Lake City to Brazil, NYC-based psychedelic rock band GIFT dares to stare into the abyss on “Later” off their upcoming sophomore effort, Illuminator, out August 23 via Captured Tracks. In addition, they will also be embarking on a world tour from late July to early November, with headlining dates in the US and UK.
Consisting of multi-instrumentalists Jessica Gurewitz and Justin Hrabovsky, in addition to drummer Gabe Camarano, bassist Kallan Campbell, and vocalist/guitarist TJ Freda—the five-piece came together much like an actual gift. Freda, who had long admired the other members for their work with some of his favorite bands, hand-selected them in hopes of forming a group. Four years later, their wide-ranging tastes and talents have contributed to a steady output, ranging from their debut album, Momentary Presence, to a remix album released last year.
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“Later,” the third single from Illuminator, shimmers through the raw drums and bass, predominately featuring a guitar dipped in dream-pop splendor. The chorus, in particular, grows in intensity throughout the runtime, nearly bursting with energy through the mixing. However, beneath the shining surface is what Freda describes as “one of the darkest songs I’ve made.”
The vocals themselves are washed in effects complimenting the production, but a closer listen reveals Freda is describing what it must feel like to experience a slow death. Despite the grim subject matter, there’s a sense of beauty within the gradual descent into nothingness, a takeaway aided by the lush instrumentation that carries over from Momentary Presence. Around the halfway point, the sinister nature manifests in a standout drum solo that gradually builds up to the climactic ending.
The cinematic music video, co-directed by Sophia Feuer and Gurewitz, who also co-wrote “Later,” could work as a standalone short film the way it weaves footage of the band and the non-linear narrative..
“I was reading a lot of horror stories while we shot this and I wanted to bring those to the screen by exploring unknown places and questioning timelines,” said Gurewitz, whose inspirations are evident by the brief flashes in the eerie film footage. With some creative liberties, bizarre sights are littered throughout, notably in the form of farm animals and dark, ethereal landscapes.
Although Illuminator is expected to dive into the darker recesses of the psyche, writing songs like “Later” was far from a negative experience. Aside from already exceeding the high points of Momentary Presence, the shared passion from all five members couldn’t be more palpable. “Making it was cathartic, diving into darker themes,” said Freda. “[Later] explores surrendering to the overwhelming sensation of life slipping away before my eyes.”
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“Later” by GIFT is out now on all streaming services. For more on their upcoming album and tickets to tour dates, follow them on Instagram and their website.
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GIFT TOUR DATES:
July 28 – Boston, MA – Nice, A Fest (w. Vundabar, Palehound, Pile and more)
Sept 13 – Troy, NY – No Fun (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
Sept 14 – Boston, MA – Rockwell (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
Sept 15 – Portland, ME – Oxbow Brewing (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
Sept 17 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
Sept 20 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (w. Catcher, Public Circuit) *Record Release Show*
Sept 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy(w. Catcher)
Sept 22 – Washington, DC – DC9 (w. Catcher)
Sept 25 – Chicago, IL – Schubas (w. Catcher)
Oct 10 – Brighton, UK – The Hope & Ruin
Oct 11 – London, UK – Moth Club
Oct 12 – Manchester, UK – YES (Basement)
Oct 14 – Birmingham, UK – Hare & Hounds
Oct 15 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms (w. BODEGA)
Oct 16 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club (w. BODEGA)
Oct 17 – Glasgow, UK – Room 2 (w. BODEGA)
Oct 18 – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK – The Cluny (w. BODEGA)
Oct 19 – Cardiff, UK – SWN FEST
Oct 21 – Cambridge, UK – Junction 2 (w. BODEGA)
Oct 22 – Sheffield, UK – Crookes Social Club (w. BODEGA)
Oct 23 – Bristol, UK – Lantern Hall (w. BODEGA)
Oct 24 – London, UK – Earth Hall (w. BODEGA)
Oct 26 – Amsterdam, NL – LONDON CALLING @ Paradiso (w. Chanel Beads, STRKFR, English Teacher)
Oct 27 – Appeldorn, NL – De Gigant
Nov 1 – Utrecht, NL – DB’s
Nov 4 – Paris, FR – SuperSonic
Nov 5 – Dijon, FR – Club La Vapeur
Nov 6 – Nantes, FR – La Lune Froide
Nov 7 – Lorient, FR – Les Indisciplinées (L’Hydrophone) (w. Corridor & Cucamaras)
Nov 8 – Saint, Lô, FR – Les RDV Soniques Festival (Ateliers Arts Plumes)
