Two Gallants played to a sold-out crowd at Barboza this past Friday night, showcasing their folk rock prowess from their latest release, The Bloom and the Blight (along with songs from their past albums). From the very beginning the room held an appreciative vibe, singing along to close to every song, and the band gave it right back. 

If you've only heard Two Gallants via album, you'd assume that they were a full (multi-piece) band. They produce a sound that is astonishing on the albums, and in person even more impressive as a duo. Adam Stephens (vocals, guitar, harmonica) plays with a unique finger style, reproducing the intricate folk sounds as well as the strong rock melodies off The Bloom and the Blight. Coupled with his raw vocal style and literary lyrics, it makes for an interesting and intimate show setting. Equally as astounding is Tyson Vogel (drums, vocals) who creaties a ferocious sound that's especially apparent on songs like "Ride Away" and "My Love Won't Wait."

more...

In a year that brought so many amazing albums, Two Gallants produced one of my favorites of 2012 (The Bloom and the Blight) -- so when I found out they had a stop of their west coast tour at Barboza on January 18 {this Friday!}, I was unbelievably excited. I imagine that this duo is going to produce a night full of energy-rich rock songs that, coupled with some heartfelt acoustic ballads, will make for a magical evening. 

The Bloom and the Blight is the band's first album after a five-year hiatus, and marks quite a departure from the bands' previous sound. With the opening track, "Halcyon Days," along with "Ride Away," Two Gallants definitely make their commanding presence quite clear. But, it's songs like "Sunday Souvenirs" and "Broken Eyes" (my personal favorite) that showcase their beautiful acoustic side. Both facets explode with emotional lyrics and heavy melodies, enhanced by lead singer and guitarist Adam Stephens' raw vocals. 

Every time I listen to The Bloom and the Blight I am constantly surprised by how caught off guard I am, and I'm excited to see this reflected in their live show. You should come! Advance tickets are still available here.

{$15 adv / 21+ / 7 p / Future Twin opens.}

at Neumos

Man, Two Gallants are a force to be reckoned with. After releasing less than a handful of records on Saddle Creek and after taking a two year break, it seemed like Two Gallants gained, not lost, steam after their hiatus. We were lucky enough to have caught them on their summer tour with The Mumlers and with support by Broken Nobles at Neumos on Monday night.

It was strange -- yet still fitting -- to see Broken Nobles opening the show. Seemingly drawing from the same influences as Two Gallants, it was kind of like being transported back in time to see one of those classic rock bands that never made it. Equipped with long hair, open shirts, and aviator sunglasses, they took the stage and started with a guitar-vocal duet. I thought this was the highlight of their show as the rest of their set morphed into songs that KZOK wouldn’t even play... to clarify: by no means was it awful, I even found myself singing along to a song of theirs -- it was rather more of a sharp contrast point between them and what we were expecting from the mighty Two Gallants.

more...

Ah, yes: Two Gallants are once again one!

After spending the past two years musically adrift, this grand duo has reconciled and will tour throughout the Summer. (Yes, we capitalized that. Summer. Summer, Summer, Summer!) They'll be taking the stage at Neumos on Monday, June 27th with the Mumlers and Broken Nobles -- and we want to send you to the show! Keep scrolling for details...

more...

{stylish photo by nancyo23}

I hope I'm not getting too granular with my listage, but given the empowering nature of  turning the page on the decade, I can't help myself--I wanted to make sure that that certain song gems didn't go unrewarded for their brilliance.

Thusly, I compiled the below list of songs released in the last decade that are total A+++, but who's album didn't make it on my favs of the decade list... either because the song is from an EP or single; the album is good, but not as solid as the 75 albums that made my list; a bunch of other albums by the band/artists appeared on the list; or I just was bad with tabulating and this should have been on the list based on the strength of said song alone.

Please enjoy the below a recap of the top 10 songs from the last decade that amaze me beyond belief (and didn't make my favorite albums of the decade list). What amazing splashes of song brilliance rocked your 2000-2009? I bet between all of us we could make the most amazing quad-mix cd ever!

more...

Tonight is the second night of this year's Noise for the Needy festival and tonight's trifecta of shows is a great assortment of Seattle bands with some out of towners thrown in for extra buzz.

I'm particularly excited to see the Sunset Tavern show with Adam Stephens and the Finite Plain headlining. Adam as you may or may not know is one half of the intense folk-rock-sters Two Gallants - a group that has never disappointed. I'm not sure what Adam's non-2G shows are like, but if this video (above) is an indication of the harmonica goodness we have in store tonight, it's going to rule.

If you're looking for something else tonight, here's a full list of the grand Noise for the Needy showcases tonight.

more...

at Bumbershoot 2008

The standing ovation Two Gallants received afterwards did not feel forced, and neither did the depths of this, probably my favorite performance of Bumbershoot 2008.

more...

Two Gallants played a sold-out show at the Tractor as part of this weekend's Noise for the Needy festival.

more...

This JUST in: local non-profit Noise for the Needy has just pre-announced some great show dates for their forthcoming 2008 musical festival.

more...

at The Crocodile

What struck me about the two piece (Adam and Tyson) was how much sound they were able to create with just a couple instruments (harmonica, percussion, guitar, vocals).

more...