THE GIFT

For most of their first demo, Washington DC's THE GIFT come off like a really good, modern, DIY version of HOLE (and say what you want, but Pretty On The Inside was kinda bad ass in 1991). But THE GIFT add bizarre dark elements and brief forays into primitive black metal - and somehow they make the transitions seems logical. "An Unforgivable Invasion..." sounds like a lost HICKEY track until it sinks into blasting screaming chaos, while searing soaring female vocals and an appropriately distant recording give the whole demo a ritualistic feel. I realize that these references seem like they should have no business sharing space on the same cassette, but this grows on me with each listen.

THE GIFT