We were still in the dead of morning on the third to last day of September – on the rock and roll clocks – but a show in Omaha at the killer new Saddle Creek Records outpost The Slowdown (we’ve heard they even have washers and dryers for the stinky indie rockers to wash and dry their stinky indie rock clothes that likely can stand upon end) was at hand for later in the night and the four hours of driving weren’t going to drive themselves. So Adam Stephens and Tyson Vogel, documented ruffians since the time they were here the first time last year. A disgustingly unjust tussle with some Texas police, while they were playing a show last year with Trainwreck Riders and Langhorne Slim, is still well remembered. They got up early and made the short drive from Iowa City, where they played the night before. They trudged up the steps, running just a shade behind schedule. They both were wearing sunglasses and only briefly removed them the entire visit, very Tom Cruise-like. On tour with Portland’s Blitzen Trapper, who were right behind them coming into the studio for encore sessions each. They knew the drill and Stephens and Vogel continued to add to a catalog of session songs that will surely comprise a boxed set of ballads somewhere down the road. They have so much more piss and vinegar in themselves than they’ve ever shown in our company. They turn down 20 notches and bring out the wounded anthems about touchy relationships, using the crackly formula of old-fashioned vernacular mixed with punk rock on the rocks. When the regular method is to chug-a-lug the hard, boy drinks, these versions of songs are representative of the finer sippin’ whiskeys and brandies. They take their time and get the full, rich flavor of these songs right. The session also marks a special Daytrotter moment that involves the recording of the same song for a second time. “Trembling of the Rose” was laid down the first time around on guitar and prior to the band tracking it for the new, self-titled album. Here, Stephens eyed and then attacked the old piano we have in the studio, knocking it out on the ivories as Vogel kept step with some percussion sounds that are punchy in their simplicity and brisk in their same. It’s a portrait of what songs tend to do – not stay the same. – Sean Moeller

(The Two Gallants choose not to disrupt or explain the muse so the following words are not theirs in explanation, just theirs in lyric.)

First song
The Deader (Two Gallants) [4.76MB] [4602 downloads]


– original version appears on Two Gallants
I do believe I’m aging right before your eyes.

Second song
Despite What You've Been Told (Two Gallants) [4.51MB] [4286 downloads]


– original version appears on Two Gallants
The skin I wear is my only suit.

Third song
The Hand That Held Me Down (Two Gallants) [5.43MB] [4238 downloads]


– original version appears on Two Gallants
Did you hold the hand that held me down when I was sick with common sense?

Fourth song
The Trembling of the Rose (Two Gallants) [5.06MB] [4166 downloads]


– original version appears on Two Gallants
I’m as full of hate as I used to be.