THE GIFT

****1/2 An album that gets better the more you listen to it! Extremely well written and performed, the CD consists of two long suites AWAKE AND DREAMING and FOUNTAINS OF ASH - both are emotionally charged and full of interesting changes. One of the most appealling things to me about the recording is that Leroy James manages to play exciting modern- sounding guitar without falling into the over- processed sound so prevelant in a lot of modern recordings.All of the band are excellent musicians and they are augmented by superb violin playing provided by Neil Catchpole. One of the best releases from 2006!

I am awake and I am not dreaming! This is a gift recording that I intend to treasure for along time, still stunned by the splendor of the creativity, the style and the audacity of the musicians dedicated to wrapping this up in so much style and substance. The Gift would be an ideal present to bequeath to a prog pal, a dizzying multi-flavored concoction that truly defies pigeon-holing, a progressive onslaught reminiscent of some of the more edgy current breed (the new Galahad, Arena, PTree, Pure Reason Revolution, Nemo, Xang etc.) offering some first-rate neo-prog ("Little Red Rooftops", "Turning of the Tide") , some classic mellotron-infested prog (the awesome title track , the frantic "Quickening Pulse" and the frenetic "Lune de Miel") with hints of a proggy Jackson Browne (on the brilliant Auld Lang Syne-ish "Doubt") , a union of high-octane Allman Brothers with a dash of punky Stranglers (the brash "The Dance of Denial"), some bar room Killer Queen Brit rock ("The Carpeted Corridors"), a sizable dose of Roger Waters ("Nocturne", "No One Came"), a taste of Blue Oyster Cult like rapid-fire guitar boogie (the delirious "Escalation"), a little Genesis here ("Close to Angels"), a little Camel there ("Adoration") and a bloody partridge in a proggy pear tree ! Mike Morton's high quality vocals and lyrics are compelling and typically British, Leroy James provides some polyvalent at times snarling guitar stylings, with hard-stun rhythm blasts jockeying with corkscrew searing solos with the accent on the dramatic and the powerful. Keyboardist Jim Thomas sprinkles squeaking synth gurgles, with occasional mellotron blankets and slinky piano promenades. The bass and drums are a well-lubricated tandem that kicks, screams and rumbles in the best prog tradition. The slow, moody passages lightly camouflage a highly apparent sense of darkness, which only serves to service the harsher contrasts, making this a constant roller coaster of astounding sounds and amazing musical snapshots. This is a fine example of the growing exhilaration coming with repeated listens, a trait particular to progressive music where there are so many layers to peel away , making it such a spirited adventure each time out . There are many highlights but this is really one long extended piece of music that just flows naturally. A definite Gift for any proglover. 5 presents

I´ll describe this CD in 3 words: beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. A rare mix of symphonic, neo, ambient, folk, classic rock all wrapped up in such a package that brings tears to your eyes. My god, such an emotional music! Mike Morton makes you believe in every single word he says, his music touches your very soul... A great conceptual CD with lots of shifting moods and lanscapes. The music is varied and the musicians are outstanding. Sometimes is hard to believe is the same band playing on the whole CD. And this is only their debut! I´m really looking forward for their next works. If they keep this quality they´ll be very big! A perfect mix of modern music and the best of classic styles, forging something very original. One of the best CDs of 2006. 4,5 stars.

This album is full of excelent music. Reference points for older readers would be music such as early Genesis or Camel circa Nude period. More recent comparisons, in terms of sound, would be artists such as Midlake and Guillemots. These are just reference points, the band are strong enough to have developed their own sound. Well worth a listen - beautiful melodic music with good guitar and keyboards - a great find!

Rather overlooked, but there are reasons for it. First of all, I still remember all the hype around it - "a blend of all influences" etc...Give it up. If you mean Neo mixed with Symphonic Prog, than OK, this is your unique blend.

Musically THE GIFT reminds me of MIKE OLDFIELD's early works - the same way melodic, accessible and boring closer to the end. The closest band comparable to THE GIFT is PENDRAGON, though Mike Morton' vocals are way behind Nick Barret's ones (rather average as for me). Hence the music itself reminds me of PINK FLOYD, PENDRAGON and some other Neo bands who work on that Side of the Neo ;) - PF-inspired concept works are what they adore. I was amazed by the level of melodism first, but the more I listened to it the less enthusiastic I became. Good, but definetely non-essential. Recommended, especially for FLOYD fans

I took a while to get into this, but isn't that the case with a lot of great music? Now that I have, I can honestly say it is my top album of 2006. I've noticed some discussion on threads recently as to whether this is 'neo-prog' or not. Who cares? All I know is that I hear intelligent, sensitive, hard hitting and beautiful music.

The Gift are an excellent new band, and deserve to be up there with the best of them. They are clearly influenced by Genesis, but are nothing like Citizen Cain or The Watch, in that there is no attempt to emulate one sound. I hear Yes, Camel, progmetal, folk, Celtic, ambient and pop influences at work here (do not shudder at the mention of the 'p' word, as The Gift are cleverly 'pop' when they use it.)

Th Gift plays an eclectic prog which can be very hook oriented at times and very heavy at others. There is also a really modern sonic identity, blending unusual and unexpected tones with more vintage ones like Hammond, Mellotron and wah wah. In particular, the vocalist avoids imitation or mannerism and really sings from the heart. The players are very accomplished, but control their virtuosity, never falling into gratuitous 'showboating' and always putting melody before shredding or noodling (although the album has fine moments of emotional, frenzied playing.)

I would like to mention the lyrics. Simple bloody poetry, I'd say. The 2 epics tell unsettling stories (war and domestic abuse) but dignify their subjects with a fine command of nuance and rhyme. There is metaphor, too, but it is less Gabriel-esque fairy tale (brilliant as that is) and more psychological observation. The sense of hope shines throuigh in all the words, even when events take a nasty turn. The Gift demand careful listening, but you will be rewarded for your efforts.

Although I rarely award 5 stars, this album deserves them.

Highly recommended if you like your prog thoughtful and mature.

jonathan.g

Well the wait was a long one but has it been worth it? In a simple word - Yes. This album had been touted as the next best thing since sliced bread and that must have placed a lot of pressure on the band to deliver the goods. This album enshrines everything that was and is good about the prog market. It does hark back to the golden age of symphonic rock but also retains a modern slant to keep the whole thing fresh sounding and full of interesting ideas.

One of the main things for me is how good the lead vocalist is. While the vocals are not up there with the likes of Morse and Hogarth they are far better than most prog bands doing the rounds at the moment - particularly from the UK. There is a tenderness in the voice that suits the songs well with a hint on Chris De Burgh at times but, and a big but at that, is when CDB was at his peak in the early 80s. The synths are full and most of the songs have a nice hook and all retain melody. There is the right contrast between light and shade but nothing every goes overboard beyond light rock - no metal for this band.

There are shades of early Genesis in some of the songs with hints to Spocks Beard, IQ and at times Jadis. Clearly in the neo-prog field and with 2 main songs broken down into sections, the band go all out to showcase their talents and varying styles across the entire album. I have no preference between either of the songs but the second one has a bit more keys which I do like while the first main song has some tremendous hooks and beautiful ballads such as Doubt and of course a wonderful opening with Little red Rooftops which brings to mind Wind and Wuthering Genesis to the fore.

If I was to be a little critical it is that I would have liked to have heard more lead guitar work. What there is is wonderful but a few more solos - even short ones- would have made this outstanding first album even better. 4 stars is my award as the band show amazing potential. The next one should be even better and that should ensure a full makr from me.

I intentionally did not disect this album as that is pointless. The whole thing needs to be heard in full to fully appreciate just how hard this band have worked to produce a superb debut album. Everything clicks into place and while there are certain tracks that are stronger than others, it is its entirety that makes you play the replay button again and again. It is a grower and you fully appreciate the whole piece after a few listens.

If you love mellow neo/symphonic music of the aforementioned bands then go and buy this album. These guys have earned it and deserve to be heard. In a market that neglects real musicianship for pop pap, it is nice to see that there still are bands that carry the prog flag into the 21st Century. The Gift are such a band and their name is testament to what they are producing now and in the future.

You know when you hear a CD and it just goes BANG and you instantly love it?

Well, this one does it for me.

I cannot really extend in my description of the music beyond the excellent critique given by st.vitusdance. Read that review first.

This CD takes you back to the heyday of 70s prog but somehow retains a modern feel.

To compare to any other modern offering may be slightly misleading but the taking of an old style and giving it a modern 'feel' is similar to the Tangent's excellent 'A Place in the Queue'.

This is my record of 2006 by a country mile and I heartily recommend it.

5 stars should be sparingly given but this deserves it.

I listened to this album for the first time yesterday, without preconceptions. Now, I have to say straight off that I'm a lover of early Genesis, and don't really go for neo-prog,as it always seems like waxed fruit compared to the '70s bands. However, this is a fantastic modern prog album. It is like listening to early Genesis mixed with Floyd and Marillion, but more contemporary and experimental. It even rocks like Dream Theater at times, but is so much more - I don't know - European. The first suite, "Awake and Dreaming" (title track) is exceptional. It starts gently, but moves through folky moments, hard rock segments and really angry, dark, furious virtuoso bits and then blossoms into a moving finale which had me in mind of Suppers' Ready. The second suite, "Fountains of Ash" was less accessible at first, but I've played it twice today and love it as well. If you like your prog emotional, unpredictable and tasteful, you'll really enjoy this. The lyrics are very thoughtful, and remind me of Roger Waters, isf a little more poetic. A definite five stars. Stvitusdance.

Here is a stunning debut CD by the UK band The Gift, what an incredible level for a new band!

The album Awake & Dreaming has a running time of 70 minutes and contains two epic compositions, separated into 19 songs in total. Despite the long running time and many songs, the music doesn't fail to generate excitement for one single second. In contrary, it is loaded with strongly build-up songs featuring lots of spectacular breaks (especially the second part of this CD) with sensational keyboardwork and excellent, often powerful guitarplay. The Gift sounds melodic and accessible but the compositions are varied and elaborate, the band changes very flowing from mellow with twanging 12-guitars to harder-edged and bombastic outbursts with propulsive, often fat sounding guitar riffs and lush keyboards. I am delighted about the way The Gift blends 'classical Seventies symphonic prog' (obvious Genesis echoes) and some neo-prog (like early Marillion) with fresh ideas and a modern sound. The vocals are strong with a wide range but I want to give special attention to the keyboard player (from spacey and soaring to classical orchestrations and flashy synthesizer flights) and the guitarist (from howling runs to heavy - and even prog metal guitar riffs or fiery wah-wah drenched soli). If you have the idea that the current prog has nothing to offer, I am sure The Gift will change your mind, what an excellent debut CD!

My rating is 3,5 stars but I have to choose between 3 and 4 stars according to the Prog Archives guidelines so eventually it becomes 4 stars. Highly recommended to especially symphonic - and neo-prog aficionados!

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