Two Gallants - San Francisco, USA - Spring 2006
By: Joshua K
When Two Gallants came barreling out of San Francisco in 2004 with 'The Throes,' it was as if they'd wandered in from an alternate universe... one where Woody Guthrie, Merle Haggard and Nirvana were oft found jamming down the OK Saloon. A sublime and compelling mix of punk, country and folk, it was a distinctly American-sounding record whose themes were nevertheless universal - and whose appearance heralded a major new talent on the indie scene.
After what seems like two years constant touring, the Gallants have just released second album 'What The Toll Tells' on Conor "Bright Eyes" Oberst's indie label du jour, Saddle Creek. It has quickly established itself as an essential record of '06. To discuss said new LP, their influences, partying in Ireland, slapping Oberst, and other topics of interest, Rockfeedback recently caught up with one Gallant (and principle songwriter) Adam Stephens in his hometown of San Francisco, CA.
Always looking for a new scene, critics have described the music of Two Gallants using phrases like 'punk-blues', 'country punk' and 'hard Americana'. How would you describe your sound?
Adam Stephens: I am not quite sure who it was, but somewhere along the way in modern music someone got the misconception that bands should be somewhat responsible for defining their own sound in words. We just play our music out of necessity. We never considered it our role to categorize it and we never really signed up for the task of writing about it - people can call us whatever they want. We might disagree but that doesn't deny them their right to an opinion. I prefer to avoid designations whenever possible.
Your music makes me want to drink whisky and dance about the room. Is that the reaction you were hoping for?
AS: We weren't really hoping for anything. The day we discover that we have been writing songs with the intention of bringing out any particular reaction that is the day we will no longer play music. People enjoy music in many different ways. Some stand cross-armed and silent, others spill their drinks on each other and fall on the floor - neither is any bit more appropriate than the other.
And what is the ideal reaction you'd like listeners to have?
AS: To keep from falling asleep.
Well, in that case, cheers. So, have fans reacted differently in the States vs. the UK and Europe?
AS: Yeah, well, we have been touring for a while in the U.S. so we have a bit of an understanding of what to expect. We started playing only house shows on our first few tours so some of the folks who saw us then have a bit more of an intimate understanding of our band. In Europe it was a little formal. We were opening for The Decembrists so it was a bit of a subdued crowd. But most folks were showed a lot of interest in what we were doing. I think they just didn't know what to expect from two kids they had never heard of before.
Would you say your sound has progressed from 'The Throes' to 'What the Toll Tells'?
AS: I would like to think so. That's the goal, right, to move forward? My opinion on it is far too subjective to be valid. I am sure President Bush thinks that he is actually improving lives around the world. All I know is that we have rather high expectations for ourselves, as do quite a few other people. This record is not as simple as 'The Throes.' I'm not quite sure if that is a good or bad thing.
Are there any overarching themes on '...Toll Tells'?
AS: The failure of life's greatest ambition, sawdust floors, and shattered lamplight.
I see... And who came up with what? How do you guys write your songs: Together? Independently?
AS: It's a little different each time. For the more electric songs, usually I have some ideas and we just start playing them and the noise brings out new directions. The more acoustic ones I usually write on my own and they adjust themselves the more we play them.
Was this a difficult record to produce or did it come together pretty quickly?
AS: It wasn't easy or always fun but it definitely was not backbreaking labor. We're still learning how to do this so it was a pretty educational undertaking.
You're on Saddle Creek, now, which is so closely associated with Conor Oberst. He's kind of a polarizing figure in modern music: to some he's 'The New Dylan' while others want to punch him in the face for whining so much. What's your opinion?
AS: I think Conor is an excellent song writer. There is no question about his talent. I think the backlash mostly comes from people who try to put some title on him like "the new Dylan" and others thinking that he choose that title. He did not. He is not. I think he knows that as well as anyone else. There will never be a new Dylan. He's simply the new Conor Oberst. People just need to let people be themselves and stop trying to fit them into someone else's worn out shoes.
Did you take that strong yet polarizing Bright Eyes connection into consideration when it came time to sign up?
AS: Of course. If we thought all of the bands on Saddle Creek were awful we wouldn't have joined the label. What other people might say about Bright Eyes or Cursive or anybody doesn't really affect our opinions too much.
Shifting gears, let's talk about your approach to music for a few minutes. To start with, who are your biggest influences?
AS: Furry Lewis, Roy Smeck, Eric Dolphy, and Aunt Jemima.
Er, right... thinks Rockfeedback, understandably baffled...
And what made you first decide to form a band?
AS: We didn't really decide anything. We were just playing music in Tyson's basement and some friends of ours asked us to play a street show. I guess once we played that show we sort of realized that we were somewhat a band.
What are your earliest songwriting or performing memories?
AS: We played in a former band at our elementary school talent show. I think that was the first time either of us ever played in front of anyone. It was pretty terrible, I can't deny that.
How has coming from San Francisco shaped your music?
AS: I think the extent to which this city has influenced our music is really beyond our own understanding. It is all we have know for our entire lives. It has shaped us to what we are and anyone who has ever been here can understand how strong of an impression it can leave.
We'd heard of this - that the first gigs as Two Gallants were illegal performances on San Francisco street corners. Do you ever go busking now, to keep grounded or try out new songs?
AS: We haven't in a while because of the police. They don't really allow that no more. We miss it very much though.
Your name comes from James Joyce, and the sound is very dust bowl Americana. Don't you ever just wake up and want to live in the 21st Century?
AS: The 21st century? What's that?
Technically, that should be 'when's that?', no? But, point taken. Last time I saw you play live (Hoboken, NJ Maxwell's, Feb '05), your live sound was a bit harder and rougher than on record. Do you intentionally try to 'punk it up' on stage?
AS: All we really do intentionally is play music. We kind of just play how we feel. We have always played that way. Our record's not a recording of a live show, so it could never really be like the live show.
What's the strangest thing that has happened to you while on the road?
AS: Perhaps the 40 year old social worker we met at a pub in Belfast, who made us take E and then took out his left eyeball and put it on the dirty barroom table. That was a bit strange.
Who are your favorite artists right now?
AS: David Dondero, Drakkar Sauna, Immortal Technique, Holy Ghost Revival, to name a few. Trainwreck Riders are good friends of ours, probably our favourite band to play with. I've no doubt things will be pretty good for them this coming year.
And finally, what's next for you guys? I'm guessing much touring in the year ahead, and then what? What can fans look forward to?
AS: We are going to be touring the Europe and the U.S. in the next few months. It will be a lot. If someone is somewhere, chances are we will be there as well. We plan to record our next record as soon as we get a break.
And there you have it, kids. 'What The Toll Tells' is out now - and Two Gallants are perpetually somewhere, someplace, in a town near you. Go take your eyeballs out to 'em.
Artists in this article: Two Gallants