New York City neo-psychedelia / shoegaze five-piece GIFT have premiered their new single “Light Runner“ alongside a music video, directed by vocalist/guitarist TJ Freda.
The track serves as the second taste of their upcoming second album ‘Illuminator‘, due to be released on August 23rd on Captured Tracks. Pre-order your copy here.
More about GIFT: GIFT – Band of the Month [June]
‘Light Runner’ is a breakbeat-inspired banger, another step taken in their dynamic fusion of genres and widescreen pop production. The band also shares a video for the new single
“‘Light Runner’ celebrates the triumph of emerging from a dark time while acknowledging the transformative power of overcoming it.” TJ says. “It’s a testament to the euphoria of personal achievement. In 2023, during our first European tour, we were enthralled by the origins of 90s UK bands like Primal Scream, Massive Attack, and Oasis. Following a show in Glasgow, the promoters treated us to an underground Jungle/DnB rave, blowing our minds wide open.”
Of the video, TJ adds: “The album and song ‘Ray of Light’ by Madonna was a massive inspiration while recording Illuminator – I wanted to pay homage to the brilliant music video directed by one of my favorite directors Jonas Åkerlund.”
Watch / listen below.
‘Illuminator’ Tracklist:
- Wish Me Away
- Light Runner
- To The Stars And Back
- Going I n Circles
- It’s All Too Fast
- Falling Down
- Destination Illumination
- Later
- Glow
- Water In My Lungs
- Milestones
GIFT Upcoming Tour Dates
SEPTEMBER
13 – Troy, NY – No Fun (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
14 – Boston, MA – Rockwell (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
15 – Portland, ME – Oxbow Brewing (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
17 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase (w. Fantasy Of A Broken Heart)
20 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (w. Catcher, Public Circuit) Record Release Show
21 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy
22 – Washington, DC – DC9
25 – Chicago, IL – Scuba’s
OCTOBER
15 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms (w. BODEGA)
16 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club (w. BODEGA)
17 – Glasgow, UK – Room 2 (w. BODEGA)
18 – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK – The Cluny (w. BODEGA)
19 – Cardiff, UL – Sŵn Fest
21 – Cambridge, UK – Junction 2 (w. BODEGA)
22 – Sheffield, UK – Crookes Social Club (w. BODEGA)
23 – Bristol, UK – Lantern Hall (w. BODEGA)
24 – London, UK – Earth Hall (w. BODEGA)
Photo by Marisa Bazan
