What began as a solo studio project by
Adrian James – known from his
work as designer and violinist of
Evanescence – has blossomed into a
vibrant live act called "Das Gift." Defying classification, the music
lurks in the spaces between
alternative,
progressive and
darkwave
genres, drawing comparisons with psychotropic acts like
Tool and
Pink Floyd.
Independently released in 2007, the pensive
debut "Das Gift" (German
for 'The Poison') stands an elaborate 14-year endeavor with bilingual
lyrics, odd meters, and eclectic instrumentation – from piano to
electric
mandocello and violin. Adrian James points to early albums by gothic music groups
Siouxsie and the Banshees and
the Cure as inspiration for the pounding
tribal drums and pipe organ. Smooth vocal melodies and touching piano
ballads are woven through the symphonic album. Rising from the material are the singles, "
Killing Jar," "
Das Gift," "
I'll Never Leave" and the piano ballad "
Beautiful Womyn."
The
debut album is available through partners including
iTunes,
Amazon,
Projekt,
Digstation,
CDBaby and many more.
The band is currently in the studio finishing their sophomore release, a 19-track album of
Pink Floyd covers, "
Any Cover You Like," scheduled for release this summer. Featured fan-favorites on the
Pink Floyd tribute album include, "
Comfortably Numb," "
Wish You Were Here," "
Money," and "
Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)."
Das Gift Concerts Offer Little Rock a Unique Sound
Recent concerts in Little Rock, AR introduced the band's new lineup. James maintains his trademark emotional vocal delivery at live shows, alternating between guitar, bass, keyboard and even drums. Also
rotating instruments,
Robert Dickey appears on bass, lead
guitar and backing vocals.
Taran Ware performs the band's signature
pounding drums. Lifelong collaborator and bass instructor,
Zach Carpenter is also a regular member of the band's live roster.
The shows also debuted the Das Gift string
ensemble, also featured on the upcoming album. String performers include
Jeff
Strain (double bass),
Dwight Denman (cello),
Deanna Wood (viola),
Marcos Ferreira (violin), and
Sharla Emory (
sitar, flute). Also appearing are the voices of
Anita Dickey and the Dickey kids (the children's chorus as seen at the
Vino's concert).
With a growing international following – especially in the regional community of goth music groups – the band is based in
Little Rock,
Arkansas, and available for booking with a 1.5 hour set. The show
usually features interpretations of the band's musical influences,
including the songs of indie and goth music groups
the Cure,
Pink Floyd,
Radiohead,
Nine Inch Nails
and
Depeche Mode.
REVIEWS:
"One of the better albums I have heard in some time, and that's no exaggeration… Well, WELL worth the wait… Certainly the most earnest and articulate lyrics of what I've seen lately. Highly recommended." -
Gothic Beauty Magazine, USA
"Triply more interesting than [Evanescence]… James' voice seeps in like a velvet wind… Surpassed all of my expectations." -
Virus! Magazine, Germany
"Listening to this layered, remarkably realized vision, you wouldn't
suspect it to be the brainchild of just one person…sounds more like a
symphony in several movements than a collection of individual songs…
sneaks up on you and ingratiates itself." -
Localist Magazine, Arkansas
"The next Pink Floyd… I was transfixed through the entire album… It
was at some point in 'I'll Never Leave' that I started to cry. " -
Malice Radio, Pennsylvania
"AJ’s vocal delivery can be very emotionally penetrating. Only a really anthracite soul would fail to be touched." -
MorbidOutlook.com, New York
"Das Gift is a blessing… a great composition of sound, musical structure, and lyrics worthy of a Triple Platinum." -
American Gothique, Alaska
"Brings back the roots of Goth with a cathedral rock sound, dark
poetic lyrics with a very personal feel, and well-pronounced down tempo
beats. "-
DJ Infam0us of ReGen Magazine, Maryland
"For a band dressed in all black on a 98-degree day, Das Gift is
actually a fun-loving bunch… Das Gift is fighting against the mundane
music that populates the FM dial." -
Sync Magazine, Arkansas
"Like a darker, goth-tinged version of early Peter Gabriel, progressive but catchy enough to attract a broad range of fans… melancholy and emotive enough for goths but
conceptual enough to appeal to progressive rock and pop fans, as well." -
Grave Concerns, New York