Two Gallants

After five years the Two Gallants—a folk rock duo—ride in on white horses with The Bloom And The Blight, picking up listeners along the way and dropping them off at the market already fulfilled.

“Halcyon Days” moseys on into The Bloom And The Blight like it owns the place, but shortly after the guitar and drums breaks in like a burglar and busting up fine china while the owners of the house are on vacation. This reoccurring temperament sneaks up on the listener in The Bloom And The Blight, along with vocals from lead singer Adam Stephens similar to an emotional, wavering, high pitched Robert Plant that is partnered with a sporadic Rod Stewart rasp.

Minutes later, “My Love Won’t Wait” starts off with harmony and then randomly chops in with guitar that was summoned from Jack White’s fingers, but the energy tires out at the end as if the Two Gallants were shuffling off to bed.

The Bloom And The Blight is a bipolar album with bursts of manic energy and bouts of long, slow, yet reflective moments. Track five, “Ride Away,” places the listener near a moat with reflective rippling water distorting the face but still allowing insight.

The Bloom And The Blight with only 10 songs is still a feast for the ears that’s fit for a king, but the rich lyrics and innovative moody folk sound can cause a greediness, so much so that the ears will be left wanting a second course.