Dan & Dave’s iconic line of playing cards, redesigned by dealersgrip. “The First Human” emerges as an abstract continuation of the Smoke & Mirror series. This red edition introduces striking visuals and dualistic ideas of human versus machine while accelerating the warm aura first established with v6 Rouge (2011). What does it mean to be a human cardist? Playing cards are fine-tuned to the anatomy of the human hand. Cultural significance and symbols are scattered throughout the courts, pips and numbers. Revisiting these seemingly obvious facts — and either embracing or challenging them — may lead us to better understand the current state and future potential of our art form. Printed by the United States Playing Card Co. on our propriety Crushed Stock using vibrant Pantone colors and detailed imagery. Packaged inside a matte red tuck box enclosure with intricate preview windows and silver foil. Edition of 2500 and 100 Gilded Twin Packs.

KASABIAN Empire (2006 UK promotional-only official Columbia Records manufactured set of playing cards issued in strictly limited quantities with initial orders of the album release, featuring the 'topless lady' album artwork on thereverse of each card, with the complete set housed in a unique picture box!). Contains deck consisting of just the King of Clubs card repeated.

With the band wanting to move on from the previous album's military tinged theme and "explore different aesthetics", the artwork of Empire was inspired by vintage playing cards. According to Tom, they happened to see a deck of cards and "it looked cool." The album and single covers are adapted from Paul-Émile Bécat's Le Florentin, a set of erotic playing cards, and were designed by Andy Hayes. "It just looked amazing," Serge explained. "I loved the colours, the look in his eyes and the way he's holding the girl. They're strange things, playing cards. They have a mad history. The things that have been won and lost through cards is insane." The album sleeve also contains original art by Julie Verhoeven, depicting the four band members and select lyrics

I started designing these cards last year, wanting to pay homage to some of the most inspiring yet underrated figures in musical history. The founding mothers and fathers of not just blues, but rock and pop as well. The recently departed Little Richard called Leadbelly "one of the foundations of music.” Not blues music. Music. Period. Their contribution to American culture is not recognised enough. These pioneers have long been held up as seminal figures within the world of folk, roots and blues music, but beyond that they are largely and shamefully ignored. In fact most people would not have even heard of Huddie Leadbetter or Sister Rosetta or Memphis Minnie. This is my small way of trying to keep their heritage alive.