The Dynamic duo Two Gallants, kick it up full throttle with their new self-titled release Two Gallants on Saddle Creek Records. The raw, electric, folk rock recording of nine fully developed songs give back to the music community what it has been missing for long; and that is a soul. Adam Stephens (guitar/vocals/harmonica) and Tyson Vogel (drums/vocals) have formed a dynamic musical force that has enabled them to create art in music. With the guided astute production by Alex Newport, the sound is perfectly produced and not overproduced.
The recording, attitude, straightforwardness, raw quality, emotional levels, and full bodied sound, does not get better then this. I marvel at their musicianship, because it has an immediate presence. I described their recently released EP The Scenery of Farewell as acoustic bliss. “Trembling of the Rose” is the only acoustic offering on this release, the other eight tracks are electric. The emotional and raw traits on this recording are even more striking because the music’s intensity and pace meet up with the highs and lows of the storytelling.
The flat-picking electric guitar leads, echo in the desolate open air, allowing every note to resonate. Stephen’s harmonica bleeds with affectation, while Vogel pounds the drums and clashes the cymbals with impending abandon.
Stephen’s is a raw folk storyteller who pens a hard to the core palette, literally evoking ties that bind. The lyrical entries are of loss and abandonment, hate, lust, and heart wrenching tales that are at times scornful with a vengeance.
Each track starts out differently, adding to the variety of the mix. "Reflections of a Marionette” shows off that diversity. Featuring a slew of styles so imaginatively synchronized to form an integral whole. Vehemently stating / I hope your gone by the time this song is through /. Then the scornful flurry that ensues in the chorus / I don’t want to see you fall/ I want you see you fail / catapults the song into a vindictive territory.
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