With the release of their sophomore album Illuminator, American psychedelic rock quintet GIFT showcases a bold evolution in their sound and direction. The band brings together nostalgic electronic pop-rock elements with expansive, synth-heavy production, resulting in a sound that feels drawn from the wells of bygone eras but equally modern and current. Following their 2020 debut Momentary Presence, Illuminator cements GIFT as a band that’s found its voice. Blending genres like shoegaze, ’90s alternative rock, and modern pop, Illuminator is a cohesive yet genre-defying undertaking.
Much like his genre inspirations, front man TJ Freda’s decision to handpick musicians from his favorite New York bands has paid off, giving the album a distinct sense of collaboration and experimentation. This mixture of styles comes through clearly on opening track “Wish Me Away,” where infectious guitar riffs and bopping rhythms evoke a psychedelic but poppy spacey vibe. Part Savage Garden 90’s pop, part Brian Jonestown Massacre psych trip, the sound is something unique. Freda’s soothing, soaring vocals guide the listener through dreamy sonic landscapes, creating a sound that feels as expansive as it is familiar.
Songs like “Light Runner” and “To the Stars and Back” further demonstrate the band’s ability to combine sleek production with nostalgic references. “Light Runner” opens with a transcendent, synth-heavy introduction before morphing into a dreamy, almost shoegazy track. However, while the instrumentation and production shine, Freda’s vocals sometimes get a bit lost in the mix. “To the Stars and Back” stands out with its rhythmic bass and head-nodding groove, with a driving verse that feels like a nod to A-ha’s more anthemic moments. Still, it’s unmistakably GIFT’s own, particularly in the lyrical content.
The album’s midsection offers some of its most memorable moments, like the danceable “Going in Circles” with its U.K. rave-inspired rhythms. The track exemplifies the band’s versatility, marrying rock with the pulsating energy of electronic music. Lyrically, the song explores the cyclical nature of relationships, examining both euphoria and doubt, meditating on unresolved feelings.
The moody “It’s All Too Fast” continues the psychedelic vibes with its hypnotic refrain, and opening with a nice shift of guitars and shaker. The string-laden “Falling Down” follows adding a touch of cinematic drama to break up the psych-rock heavy tracks and is one of the more dramatic and enjoyable songs on the album.
The album continues its eclectic approach with “Destination Illumination,” a psychedelic tumble through extended musical sections and drawn out acid drenched lyrics. On “Later,” the drum and bass lay a groovy introduction giving way to more expansive cinematic guitar laden goodness.
As the album reaches its closing moments, “Water in My Lungs” reflects on the emotional intensity of watching a romantic partner slip away, both literally and figuratively. This track, along with others like “Going In Circles,” touches on one of Illuminator‘s central themes: the passage of time and the fleeting nature of relationships. TJ Freda himself noted, “These moments can change in a split-second and affect the rest of your life. For better or worse, it’s hard to control that.”
The album leaves on a high note with “Milestones,” a reflective track that encapsulates the emotional highs and lows traversed throughout the album. It’s a fitting conclusion, and one that lingers in the mind long after the final note fades.
Ultimately, Illuminator is a solid sophomore effort from GIFT, showcasing the band’s ability to blend genres and create a consistent sonic atmosphere. The album excels in its musicianship, with lush production, nostalgic influences, and thoughtful songwriting, though its consistency can also be its limitation. While the album’s cohesion is commendable, many tracks blur together, with similar tones and arrangements that make it difficult to distinguish individual moments. Freda’s vocals, though effective, are occasionally overshadowed by the dense production, and the overall sound lacks the dynamic shifts or experimental departures that could elevate the experience. There’s plenty happening within individual tracks, but when viewed as a whole, the album misses opportunities for greater depth and variety.
One thing to note is that Illuminator isn’t a straightforward stadium rock record that tells you when to stamp your feet, clap your hands, or belt back radio-ready chorus lines. It’s not designed to burrow into your subconscious with lab grown hooks—it’s a more subtle, mood based experience. This is the kind of music that begs to be played in quality stereo or shoulder to shoulder at the front row of a packed room. There’s no in-between here; no phone speakers or cheap headphones will do it justice. GIFT creates music that’s more of a feeling than a scientifically calculated stadium rock formula. So if that’s what you’re expecting buyer beware.
The album also offers a sonic richness and thematic exploration that make it a rewarding listen particularly for fans of psychedelic and genre-blending rock, and the musicianship and songwriting throughout is undeniably strong. The band’s nostalgia-infused sound, combined with Freda’s introspective lyricism is a draw and one I look forward to following for a long time.
Illuminator leaves a lasting impression as a confident, enjoyable album that shows clear growth for the band. While there’s room for more experimentation in future releases, this record solidifies the band’s place in the modern rock landscape. It also rewards listeners who appreciate thematic cohesion and genre fusion, offering a journey that’s well worth the listen. For fans of Momentary Presence and newcomers alike, Illuminator is a compelling step forward.
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Illuminator is out now. Listen HERE
Header image credit: Marisa Bazan
