A Blast of Country Style
'What The Toll Tells' is an introspective journey through the brutally honest lips of Adam Stephens. In this harsh and unconventional brand of storytelling, the steely guitar and howling vocals seem to cut the tales free and they take on their own lives, captivating the listener.
'Las Cruces Jail' begins with a haunting scene painted by melancholy whistling and a soporific guitar, tumbleweed passes lazily by before the furious crashing guitars and raspy vocals kick in and blow away the sense of impending doom with the desperate, but largely upbeat and amusing tale of an outlaw sentenced to death. This tune has enough twists and turns to keep you up all night and is definitely one of the key pieces on this album.
'Steady Rollin' displays a more collected, country ballad sound that flows like a stream (or creek as Two Gallants may prefer) across plenty of rough ground, but still stays sweet and plentiful. 'Some Slender Rest' is the first of 4 songs on the album that stretch over the 8 minute mark, this may seem a little excessive, or even a little prog, but it's actually indicative of the way Two Gallants like to build up the narrative in their stories and the minutes soon roll easily by as you're caught up in the heartbreaking working-man imagery.
'Long Summer Day' blisters with vigorous gusto and ferocious doubled-up vocals, while 'The Prodigal Son' sways like a drunkard in a merry melody that wouldn't sound out of place in an easy lullaby for not so virtuous children. 'Threnody in Minor B' is appropriately titled as it pours out bruised vocals and blue guitars that weave a complex tale of woe. '16th St. Dozens' whips up into an industrial strength fury just when you're not expecting it, perhaps Two Gallants are the first purveyors of post-punk country, it certainly keeps you listening.
Closer, 'Waves of Grain' is a wondrous bitter refrain that uses the simplicity of bare guitar notes and rich rasping vocals to carry a vast sea of aching sorrow that's later complimented by the howling harmonica. Who'd have thought a song with lyrics about rotting fields could make you cry? Beautiful and vicious, this is one of the most overpowering tracks on the album and definitely leaves you impressed.
Two Gallants harness some amazingly powerful country devices, a lot of emotion and a knack for storytelling that compels the listener to continue listening, even to the nine minute wonders, and in 'What The Toll Tells' they've created a passionate but sturdy, and still decidedly strong album.