To a world rife with reports of a planet-wide downward spiral: some good news! I am very happy to report that San Francisco based blues rock duo Two Gallants have returned from a lengthy hiatus and are set to release a brand new album, The Bloom and the Blight, on September 4. Still, good may not be exactly the right word. Given their knack for razor-sharp heart-break jams, Two Gallants is probably not going to improve your outlook on life with this one. But count your blessings! You can look forward to a new soundtrack for your darkest hours. Adam Stephens and Tyson Vogel (who have been playing together since they were children) are masters of their own special brand of rock infused blues. Their deft, beautiful lyrics have one foot firmly in the folk tradition while the other kicks around viciously in the present day. Underlined by simplistic but forceful instrumentation and the piercing quaver of Stephens’ voice, Two Gallants make a distinct impact.
Our first taste of The Bloom and the Blight comes in the shape of a desperate ballad called “My Love Won’t Wait.” After a menacing vocal introduction, the band comes in guns blazing, all heavy distortion and pounding drums. It is raw, wild wild west urgency as much as it is Led Zeppelin. Two Gallants stretch across the breadth of American music with keen understanding, tact, and skill. I love this band.