Little Rock musician and recording artist, Adrian James embarks on a solo career with an epic album titled Das Gift - and a live band of the same name. James has performed with a host of acts, most notably as violinist and designer for Evanescence.

His pensive album Das Gift (The Poison) is an elaborate 14-year endeavor with bilingual lyrics, diverse time signatures and eclectic instruments: from piano to guitar, electric mandocello, and violin. Defying classification, it weaves its way between alternative, progressive and gothic genres, drawing comparisons with psychotropic acts like Tool, as well as Pink Floyd. James points to early Siouxsie and the Banshees and the Cure's "Pornography" album as inspiration for the pounding drums and pipe organ. But while it has dark aspects, the CD is rendered approachable by smooth vocals and touching piano ballads.

The live trio delivers a surprisingly full and complex sound. Alternating between guitar, keyboard and drums, James maintains his trademark emotional vocal delivery. Lifelong collaborator Zach Carpenter brings his jazz background to the live ensemble on fretless and 5-string bass, as well as (simultaneous) aux. percussion. Finally, Robert Dickey rounds out the band's unique sound on lead guitar and his own soaring, smooth vocals. The photography seen here and at the band's MySpace Page is provided by Anita Dickey, who also fronts the band's management team.

Unlike mainstream artists, "indie" bands like Das Gift finance their music entirely out of their own pockets. In addition to live shows, you can support independent music by purchasing a cd or t-shirt through this site, or through our friends at Projekt.com and CDBaby.com.

CD REVIEWS

Triply more interesting than [Evanescence]..."Das Gift" offers something surprisingly different. More sonically akin to the work of dark psychotropic acts like Tool, James' creations are neither pop nor metal, but instead something abstract and melodic, cinematic and diverse... James' voice seeps in like a velvet wind... Das Gift surpassed all of my expectations... James' work here is quite captivating.

VIRUS! MAGAZINE, GERMANY

One of the better albums I have heard in some time now, and that is no exaggeration...WELL worth the wait...these are certainly the most earnest and articulate lyrics of what I've seen lately. Highly recommended. - Jessika

GOTHIC BEAUTY, OR

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, PA

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 - Colter McCorkendale

LOCALIST MAGAZINE, AR

AJ's vocal delivery can be very emotionally penetrating. Only a really anthracite soul would fail to be touched... by this heart-wrenching material.

MORBID OUTLOOK, NY

Brings back the roots of Goth with a cathedral rock feel, dark poetic lyrics with a very personal feel, and well-pronounced down tempo beats.

DJ INFAM0US OF REGEN MAGAZINE

"Das Gift" stands out among the new music I've heard this year because of the strangely appealing combination of layered heaviness and strong melodies that float above the atmosphere that is created.

TOM WOOD of MAGIC 105, AR

Visit us at our official MySpace Page.

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©2008 by Adrian Reuel James.
All rights reserved.

Art design by Adrian James.
Programming by David Harvey.

myspace.com/dasgift
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