New York rock quintet GIFT formed just before the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded their 2022 debut album Momentary Presence during its associated isolation. Thankfully, their music – a dizzying blend of early shoegaze, classic ‘90s alternative rock and even modern pop – quickly transcended that troubled time to prick up the ears of adventurous listeners both at home and across the Atlantic Ocean.
Today, GIFT – vocalist/guitarist TJ Freda, multi-instrumentalists Jessica Gurewitz and Justin Hrabovsky, drummer Gabe Camarano and bassist Kallan Campbell – return with “Wish Me Away,” their first new song in the 18 months since the debut and first on new label home Captured Tracks. With its earworm guitar lines, propulsive rhythms, riveting vocals and mind-expanding sonics, “Wish Me Away” is the perfect sonic springboard from Momentary Presence to where GIFT are going next. It’s also a potent reminder that you can still preserve that twinkle in your eye even when you feel like everything’s slipping away.
Says Freda: “‘Wish Me Away’ is about giving into the feeling of everything slipping away. Just take it all away, put me out of my misery, wish me away. While this all seems daunting and sad, there’s a feeling of optimism in this song, holding on for dear life and refusing to give up hope.
After almost losing a loved one, Freda found himself grappling with the fleeting nature of life. “Wish Me Away” ruminates on the fear and freedom that can come from knowing it can all slip away. “The line ‘wish me away’ kept coming up, as in, take me, not them,” he further notes.
Listen/share “Wish Me Away” here and watch the video, directed by Andrew Gibson, here:
GIFT will be heading to Los Angeles in June for two shows. The band will be playing at Permanent Records on June 13 and at Ghengis Cohen on June 14. Tickets are on-sale now all dates are listed below.
GIFT tour dates
June 13 – Permanent Records – Los Angeles, CA (tickets)
June 14 – Genghis Cohen – Los Angeles, CA (tickets)
Find GIFT here:
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