Two Gallants – Nothing To You (Re-mix) / 2006 Alive / 4 Tracks / http://www.twogallants.com / http://www.alivenergy.com / Reviewed 12 January 2007

“Nothing To You” is a track that would be perfect on any collection of early nineties music. However, Two Gallants are able to make this track into a modern day Billy Joel track. The re-mix of this track does not sound too terribly different from the original, but is still as energetic and timeless as the first time I heard the track. The fact that individuals are strung along for well over four minutes in this re-mix shows that Two Gallants are one of the best bands on the face of this earth. The fact that this EP only has four tracks is disappointed, but the re-mixes along with a new track (“I’m Her Man (Sweet Baby Jesus)’) and a live version of “Fail Hard To Regain” will sate listeners until Two Gallants come to their city. The two sets of vocals that interact during the re-mix of “Nothing To You” is still energetic as all get out, with tons of energy coming into “Crow Jane”.

“Crow Jane” is a much slower track, but the storytelling aspect of Two Gallants are not hindered in the slightest. The late seventies or early eighties feel of the band is continued during this track. The only thing that can be construed as a weakness during this track would have to be its runtime; “Crow Jane” ends right before the eight minute track. Since the storytelling aspect of Two Gallants is similar to that of Bright Eyes, a lot of this can be ignored but one still has to wonder whether some fans are turned off by the length of the track. Even the discussion at the beginning of “I’m Her Man” is reminiscent to “Lifted”-era Bright Eyes.

The band does not have emo sound that Bright Eyes has, but blends together Credence Clearwater Revival and Jane’s Addiction to blend hippie with country, indie rock with a bit of pop rock, to make something that is different from pretty much anything else on the radio right now. Two Gallants have started to get the publicity that they deservbe after their signing with Saddle Creek, but I believe that their star will reach even higher in the sky. If bands like The White Stripes and Interpol can pull off a retro style in the current period, there is little doubt in my mind that Two Gallants could not squeeze their way into those same ranks.

Top Track: Nothing To You (Re-mix)

Rating: 7.0/10

[JMcQ]