Two Gallants

Las Cruces Jail

With just guitar and drums, Two Gallants make one hell of a noise. I have no idea where the prison in question is, but Adam Stephens' voice, in a state of constant strain, makes it goddamn clear that he doesn't want to go back. If the White Stripes and The Black Keys brought a little two-person punk fury to the blues, these San Fran natives do the same for restless, spaghetti western honky-tonk.

What the Toll Tells

Saddle Creek

Vetiver

Farther On

The fact that he can count Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart amongst his rotating cast of band members is bound to peek the interest of more than a few music fans. Luckily Andy Cabic's wistful tunes are much more than the sum of his collaborators (who also include Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval). Farther On proves this, as it's three minutes of bliss, that boasts only Cabic's guitar, some double tracked vocals, and gentle background coos.

s/t

Dicristina Stair Builders

Vetiver play the Media Club on March 28th with folk anti-hero Michael Hurley.

The Affair

Anything but Disco (You Ruined My Life)

It might be obvious to mention Blondie when talking about the Affair, as they're totally rocking the throw back new wave vibe that's so hip these days. That being said, Kali Holloway's vocals put them a cut above the rest of the keyboard-worshipping NYCers out there. Powering right over the crunchy guitars and bass, four-four drums, and gratuitous synth stabs, she's Debbie Harry's attitude with Ronnie Spectors pipes.

The Hold Steady

Your Little Hoodrat Friend

The Hold Steady hail from the Big Apple, but Craig Finn's lyricism is still firmly rooted in his suburban Minneapolis upbringing. The rest of the band, who lay the groundwork over which Finn's tales of teenage debauchery fly, is all E-Street glory, coming off like the best little bar band in the world. I was actually wary about making this a music pick. Not because I think it's unworthy, but beccause it's merely one part of a much bigger whole. If you took one scene out of Resevoir Dogs, you might find some redeeming qualities, but you wouldn't really get it. This is merely a snapshot of the complete narrative that is Separation Sunday, so do yourself a favour and go pick up the full length.

Separation Sunday

French Kiss

Land of Talk

All My Friends

Chalk up another one for the second best city in Canada. Land of Talk are noisy, rhythmic guitars, thick bass, and thumping drums courtesy of "the skinniest drummer in Montreal," all propelled by Elizabeth Powell's smooth, yet edgy vocals.