Album Notes

Beyond the Gift reviews:
"Back in 1999, I first came across the music of Imaginary Band (still love that name), which was impressive enough as it was. Moving on from that though, the single permanent member Duncan has evolved musically & we have one of the most impressive releases perhaps made in 2000 thus far. There's a real depth style wise as well as in each individual song. The opener "I'll Have What He Had" is one of the real standouts, with a very catchy feel… 3rd in the tracklisting is a great electronic pop track called "Faerytale Lessons" which has a Depeche Mode sort of vibe, while "Perfect Spy" also reminded me of that band, more of a softer sort of Personal Jesus vibe. Filling out the rest of the album are some other stunning numbers, such as "A.I.", which has a very cool lead in, as does the title track. Surprising me right at the end of the album is a brilliant unlisted number which is a very well constructed pop song, though others like "You'll Never Know" & "Closer To The Moment" also need mention. This is one very good album that should get a lot more exposure than it probably will - make the effort, the music here is not imaginary." (hEARd online music magazine, October 2000)

"Tasmanian act Imaginary Band has developed his talent through three EPs before his debut album Beyond the Gift. A mix of guitar-driven band performances and moody programmed solo tracks, the album is melodic, personal and diverse. The punchy pop of I'll Have What He Had (featured recently on JJJ) and mix of flute and insistent guitar of I Am Seeing it are strong examples of the band side of the project; the immaculately produced piano and bass groove of You'll Never Know and aching slow beat of Closer to the Moment show Imaginary Band is equally adept when reaching for atmosphere. Beyond the Gift is a work of a burgeoning talent…" (The Mercury, Hobart, October 2000)