The Throes cover

The Throes

Two Gallants · 2004

53 min · 9 tracks · folk rock

Raw, emotive storytelling intertwines with gritty instrumentation in a reflective exploration of love and loss.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You Losin' Out — This track opens the album with a driving rhythm and sharp lyrics that set the tone for the emotional intensity to follow.
  • →
    Crow Jane — A standout moment on the album, it showcases a haunting melody paired with evocative storytelling that encapsulates the band's lyrical prowess.
  • →
    The Throes — The title track delves deep into themes of desperation and yearning, highlighted by its expansive arrangement that builds tension throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional delivery but lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving rhythm and layered guitar work, establishing an energetic tone that persists through the first half.
  • Vocals often alternate between a soft, reflective delivery and more intense, raw expressions, creating dynamic contrasts within tracks.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt transitions in tempo or mood, such as 'Fail Hard to Regain' which shifts from a slow build to an explosive climax.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long immersive listening sessions
  • wave-like pacing and builds
  • raw emotive storytelling
  • contemplative late-night moods

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2004, The Throes was Two Gallants' debut full-length album following their acclaimed EP. At this point, the duo was establishing their unique sound within the folk rock and indie scenes, gaining attention for their powerful live performances and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Fleet Foxes· Iron & Wine· The Avett Brothers

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 You Losin' Out 3:00
  • 2 Two Days Short Tomorrow 4:57
  • 3 Nothing to You 4:29
  • 4 Crow Jane 8:02
  • 5 Fail Hard to Regain 3:12
  • 6 The Throes 8:03
  • 7 Drive My Car 6:55
  • 8 My Madonna 7:23
  • 9 Train That Stole My Man 7:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata