Two Gallants @ Classic Grand

It might help to picture this Californian rock duo as the White Stripes' evil twins (though they'll hate you for this). Purveyors of guitar n' drums blues minimalism they may both be but, where Meg White seems intent on bludgeoning her drum kit into submission, so drummer Tyson Vogel syncopates melodically on the hi-hats and cymbals. Where Jack White comes over all Hollywood (impeccably presented and a predictable happy ending), so singer/guitarist Adam Stephens rasps and wails subversively on subjects such as murder, theft and racism - themes that, when you think about it, no self-respecting modern blues act should be ignoring. Not afraid to break the spartan sound up with supplementary piano and cello arrangements, their live sets have been known to descend, in true rock fashion, into utter anarchy. Pack your tasers! (Paul Mitchell)