Double headline shows are always a tricky business, inevitably running the risk of neither band getting a proper set; raising questions of who should play first, how long do they each get, what if it peaks too early?
Deer Tick and Two Gallants however, are the perfect match for a joint show, both hailing from America and possessing explosive, energetic, and raw, blues-tinged live performances.
The pair brought the co-headline show to Northcote Social Club for the first sold-out night of two at the venue, with Two Gallants taking to the stage first.
The San Franciscan duo strode onto stage in front of an already very busy crowd, and after a healthy amount of ear-splitting distortion, launched into a ferocious version of Blind Willie McTell’s ‘Dyin’ Crapshooter Blues’ that perfectly signaled the style of a Two Gallants live show.
Guitarist Adam Stephens’ voice was husky, deep, and powerful, while drummer Tyson Vogel commanded attention with captivating and constantly enthusiastic movements.
‘My Love Won’t Wait’ saw the pair sing in tandem, with their voices perfectly complementing the other, before bursting into the fierce chorus, with Stephens‘ voice obviously strained, but still managing to hit every note.
The secret of a Two Gallants live show is the contrasts between the rip-roaring louder moments, and the quiet, delicate ones. Intricate guitar lines instantly transforming into blaring distortion, and just as the volume and intensity is about to get overwhelming, the pair reduce the song to its bare minimums, before it is built up again.
This was typified on standout ‘Steady Rollin’, with Stephens teasing the opening lines before beginning a quiet, slowed down rendition, until speeding up and raising the volume after the first chorus.
These elements allowed the set to be constantly interesting and captivating, with never a boring moment.
The duo of created a huge and layered sound for just two individuals, at times adding drums, two vocals, harmonica, and guitar to the mix at the same time.
The harmonica was first seen on ‘The Hand That Held Me Down’, and remained a constant for the rest of the set, while some complex drum fills from Vogel led seamlessly into ‘Las Cruces Jail’.
After claiming that “it’s about to get crazy,” the twosome began an as of now untitled new song that was unlike anything else played. With infectiously catchy guitar hooks, and a driving chorus, the tune may well be the most accessible one to date that Two Gallants have written.
The pair then switched instruments, with Stephens moving to the piano, and Vogels taking to the acoustic guitar. Playing an emotional version of ‘Broken Eyes’, they proved that they can do the slower songs just as well as the rest.
Finishing the well over an hour set with ‘Halcyon Days’, the band quelled any fears over a reduced set time, and proved that they are a sorely underrated act, especially in the live setting.
After a short break, the curtain was drawn and the five members of Deer Tick walked calmly onto stage and began ‘The Bump’, filled with call and answer vocals and even a whistling solo.
However, from the outset it’s glaringly obvious that something isn’t right. Lead singer John McCauley’s already hoarse voice was strained to breaking point, with the obviously pained man saying “I can barely talk so this is gonna be a shitty show,” – not always the best way to begin a set.
The melodic and wonderful moments of the likes of ‘Baltimore Blues No. 1’ and ’20 Miles’ are still somewhat retained, but it’s clear that every word sung by McCauley is a struggle, and it’s hard to ignore the faltering voice.
The band’s illustrious back catalogue allowed them to play songs that utilized other band member’s vocals, with the Ian O’Neil-led ‘Walkin’ Out The Door’ proving to be thoroughly enjoyable, while ‘Clownin’ Around’ allowed drummer Dennis Ryan to showcase his vocals.
Even the crowd attempted to assist with vocal duties on the wonderful ‘Ashamed’, and the line “Murdered my throat/ screaming bloody all night”, has probably never been more apt for the band.
It’s an unfortunate situation for both the band and the packed crowd, but Deer Tick did everything they could to compensate for it.
After saying “Let’s hear it for you guys for being so understanding” and receiving a multitude of shouted requests from the boisterous crowd, McCauley eventually surrendered, shouting “Fuck it, it’s not like we’re here every day,” before launching into fan-favourites ‘Art Isn’t Real’ and ‘These Old Shoes’.
After promising to visit a doctor before the next night’s show, McCauley began an extended version of ‘Mange’ that descended into a psychedelic outro jam, and ultimately merged into ‘Let’s All Go To The Bar’, an accurate and befitting way to end the night.
McCauley’s voice was constantly breaking, and full credit to the band for still playing a long set when many others probably wouldn’t have played at all, but it’s impossible to ignore the faltering, hoarse vocals, marring what could have been a fantastic show.
Luckily for the sold-out crowd, Two Gallants more than made up for what Deer Tick were unluckily lacking, perhaps proving the merits of a co-headline show.
