It’s always interesting when taking on a new band for review, especially when they’re more established. This means other blogs might have a leg up on perspective. They definitely have a leg up on the band’s background and intricate knowledge of their themes.

For this dude at Tuned Up, Two Gallants is such a band.

Let me start out by saying that 2015 is looking like a year that flat out rock and roll returns with a vengeance to my life. Two piece Two Gallants is definitely in my face in this regard. Last year was all about dream pop and indie pop. It’s like my subconscious is saying “Wait a minute! You’re a man! Your library needs more testosterone!” Track two “Incidental” is such a kick in the teeth that feels good to me! Shades of Death From Above 1979 come to mind.

A certain other blog that shall remain nameless has mentioned that some of the songs simply aren’t as good as the band has written in the past. Having no musical barometer to set a standard, I can’t really make that call. But I will say that while the tunes aren’t really “feel good” in a traditional sense, they groove and I’m wondering if anyone else in this coffee shop I sit in are conscious of the bass coming from my earbuds, even though they sit snugly in my ears. A certain level of volume is necessary for this to feel “right.”

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/60115659″ /]

One of the few exceptions to the volume rule is “Katy Kruelly,” a lighthearted yet longing tune singing of past love. I can’t help but wonder what this name is a euphemism for. It sounds fake and the alliteration is too convenient.  The following track, “Heartbroken,” is creative but makes me wonder if the band may be having a bit of an identity crisis. Beauty meets grating sound effects, for lack of a better description (I may just be having a brain fart here).

Two Gallants might be the saddest souding rock and roll band that is still deserving of having the volume cranked that I’ve heard. They venture into more traditional pensive territory toward the back end of the record, which proves they may not be having an identity crisis after all – just showing versatility.

We Are Undone is a statement of being that you can take as worrisome or epic. It is definitely worth your time, though.

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