After listening to Two Guns’ self-titled debut album, I was thoroughly impressed. Kevin Poush, the lead singer and guitarist, had such a melancholy affable tone on the first album, which was a bit reminiscent of Jeff Tweedy at his most laconic. I saw great potential in the band and recognized a sound that was distinct and emotionally powerful, yet sad, and perhaps even a bit depressing.
On their sophomore album, the band’s potential has become greater and the sound more refined. They have dropped the saddest parts of their melancholic sound and provided a happier, more rhythmic beat that brings thoughts of Yankee Foxtrot Hotel and anything Tom Petty has put out.
Two Guns have conditioned their sound to where it no longer was as timing induced as their debut, but can be listened to at any time. I brought this up to Kevin during a recent chat and he remarked, “I definitely think it’s got more energy too... the recording process this go around provided that, I think. We recorded to tape, did a lot of it live and really finished writing the songs there in the studio as we went along. I think all of that gave it more a raw, spontaneous sound. We're all buddies, we keep things light, and we have a lot of fun playing the tunes. I've been fortunate enough to have some really talented and smart musicians as band members!”
With cohesion such as Two Guns has it’s easy to see how they’d mature over time. There’s a sense of fun that comes out of the album, but not in a jocular sort of way. It’s not frivolity that takes precedence, but the music and lyrics are important to this group that strives so hard to make their place in an emerging indie music scene. They are unlike many other bands out there as they do not revel in mediocrity or get satisfaction from a modicum of success.
Expanding their audience is the challenge for many of today’s artists. How can one get their music out to enough people to build a cohesive following? Not unlike writers who also write for numerous mags and sites just to get their name out there. There is real undeniable ambition there though as Two Guns play constantly, often times at the Prospector in Long Beach, honing their skills and getting their message out to the masses. What message do I speak of? Well I suppose you’ll have to buy the album to find out.