Spree Music with J. DiDomizio: Two Gallants
Burditt / Schiek via Cobra Comanda Publicity
Five years is a long time between albums, but for a band like Two Gallants, it is well worth the wait.
The duo released their fourth studio album in early September, and touring in support of The Bloom and the Blight brings them to the Ninth Ward at Asbury Hall tomorrow, September 20. Adam Stephens (guitar, harmonica, vocals) and Tyson Vogel (drums, vocals) provide a lot of what fans would expect on this new album: blues tinged rock steeped as much in folk as grunge influences. Their songs strive to reach the arena rock heights of The Black Keys, but Two Gallants differ with their ability to remain intimate with their listeners whether they’re whispering or belting out their well-crafted lyrics. In "Halcyon Days", the opener of the new album, these skills are on full display.
After spending the past half-decade releasing a solo albums, and going through some tough personal times, the new album is a sort of homecoming for the band, and it shows in the recording. Fiercer and bigger as their sound may be, there isn’t much that is different from past releases. While the music is still superb and as bracing as ever, there is the issue of Two Gallants sounding too much like their past selves. That may be okay, considering it has been a while since most listeners have had a chance to hear them live. “Steady Rollin’” is one of the singles from “What the Toll Tells,” and gives some idea of where the band was before the hiatus, and what they’ll bring to the Ninth Ward.
The question remains for fans if the time away should have made a bigger difference in Two Gallants’ sound. Regardless of the answer, newcomers and fans alike should look forward to an exciting and visceral night of rock.
Doors open at 7pm on Thursday, September 20th with Los Angeles rocker PAPA opening the show. Tickets are $15.
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