two gallants

Signed to Conor Oberst’s Nebraska-based Saddle Creek, the San Francisco duo are perhaps the only act on the US indie label’s roster who seem capable of stepping up to the major league status of their boss. Early comparisons to the White Stripes now seem perplexing, seeing as the only characteristics the bands share are the number of personnel, plus an engaging and passionate live show. Tonight’s support comes via promising young Scouse singer-songwriter Eugene McGuinness, who’s plugging his recently released debut LP ’The Early Learnings Of…’. The packed Barfly crowd enthusiastically cheers his quirky brand of pop, which maintains the fine melodic tradition of his city. Two Gallants soon follow, opening with ’Seems Like Home To Me’, taken from the recently released ’Scenery Of Farewell’ EP. A sparse, pained response to the pitfalls of touring, it showcases singer-guitarist Adam Stephens’ hoarse, spine-tingling howl. A short instrumental segues into the wonderful ’Steady Rollin’, the unnervingly dark highlight of the pair’s powerhouse second album ’What the Toll Tells’. Stephens then attaches a harmonica to add another dimension to their emotional, rootsy take on country blues. After previewing tracks from their soon-to-be-released third album, they launch into ‘Las Cruces Jail’, its outlaw blues stomp prompting whoops of delight from the hardcore fans present. ’La Cruces Jail’ sees a hush descend as Stephens sweetly sings “I’ll keep you in my collection of regrets” – which is exactly where fans of raw, heartfelt live music should put Two Gallants if they miss them next time they‘re in the country.