What The Toll Tells - Two Gallants
What The Toll Tells Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second album (and Saddle Creek debut) for the San Francisco duo of Adam Stephens and Tyson Vogel.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Equally suitable for a Wild West saloon or meth lab. [7 Apr 2006, p.63]
  2. 60
    A sincere winner. [Mar 2006, p.123]
  3. Everything sung here is manufactured to conjure up the same bullshit sense of nostalgia that the band's James Joyce-inspired name is supposed to. [#12, p.93]

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. davel
    10
    Great music with an edge and a story to tell.
  2. BrianD
    9
    Fans of topical, safe and radio-friendly modern rock will probably not stick with this album long enough to relize it's true depth. Not to say that there isn't considerable commercial appeal in this young duo's second successful collection of songs in two tries, but the deeply ingrained roughness of the musical delivery, the gritty vocals and the equally dark subject matter in no way adds up to bubblgun pop indie rock. The bottom line is that these guys can really write, and they deliver their indea with passion unmatched by their indie peers. This is not only an amazing album, it is an important developmental step from a band that will only get bigger as they continue to win over fans. I would consider this album an indie jem that will only grow more amazing as it ages. ....and "Waves of Grain" might be the most moving piece of music I have heard in years. Expand
  3. GervaisR.
    8
    Pitchfork is a snark factory of holier-than-thou scenesters who wouldnt get shivers down their spines if Tyson Vogel played Las Cruces Jail on them. Two Gallants rock hard. Unlike the White Stripes or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, this power duo writes about historically relevant matters and takes tricky politics head on. This direct, confrontational style irks fans and critics who prefer their music more 'ornamental,' but it's the ony kind of music for me. If you don't agree, see them live and then judge 'em. Expand
  4. ericaw
    7
    After The Throes, my expectations were high for the second album, and I was pleased with the result. If you like the style of Two Gallants, you'll love this album. Expand

See all 7 User Reviews