“Did you see them during sound check?” asks someone to our left as Two Gallants meander onto the Blender Theater stage last week. “No, they just got here a few minutes ago,” the bouncer grunts back.

And with that, our first impression of Two Gallants (pronounced gull-onts for all of you hooked on phonics), we readied ourselves for a sloppy and negligent performance. Instead we witnessed something organic, a personal act by a couple of guys from San Francisco who play like they mean it. Between folk-rock harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, there was a moment that we found our jaws had dropped—if only just a little.

Click the jump to read our interview with Tyson Vogel—one half of Two Gallants—in which he reminds us that there’s no place like home (and gives us his picks for the best of San Francisco!).

BLACKBOOK: Something tells me you didn’t search out fame. TYSON VOGEL: We didn’t really set out to be in a band even. We have both [he and Adam Stephens] been friends for a long time, and we’ve playing music separately and together for a long time so it happened to be just a natural thing.

BB: Explain your chemistry. TV: Adam writes the songs, but I still feel really connected in the process. We are both inspired by the same things, and when we come together—words and instruments—we are able to kind of mold everything together. The music takes on its own existence.

BB: Where do you most like to play? TV: I’m not sure about venue. Last night was really great. I would have to say my favorite is this town Rapid City, in South Dakota. And it’s not about the venue, because last time we were there we played a church, the time before that we played a Quality Inn, so it’s not really about that. It’s the people. They just really seem to appreciate us. Not so much as being the next big thing, or up-and-coming, or whatever. BB: Do you mind all the traveling? TV: Traveling is kind of complicated right now. I mean, we’ve been doing it non-stop for nearly four years. The beginning of this year was the first year we’ve been home for longer than a month in probably three years. Something was drawing us out at the beginning, but unfortunately, now we’ve gotten to the point where we just want to be home.

[Here, Vogel's San Fran picks!]

Best Venue for a Show: "16th Street and Mission Street, even though it's not exactly a venue. Essentially, it's just a street where three bands get together, steal power from the city, and play three songs each. Hundreds of people come and some just happen to walk by, but it’s always a big show."

Best View: "I’m going to have to give you at least two. The very top of the Art Institute on the roof, and then Baker Beach." [Ed. Note: This may or may not have something to do with the fact that stretches of Baker Beach attract swarms of nudists.]

Best Place to People Watch: "The intersection of Turk and Jones Streets. It’s one of the few places I feel really retains what San Francisco was fifty years ago. It’s quite gritty and abrasive."

Best Museum: "de Young Museum—it’s an art museum, and the architecture is amazing."

Best Place to Buy a Record: 101 Music.

Best Place to Get a Cheap Beer: Molotov’s.

Best Place to Spend a Little Extra on a Drink: "Beauty Bar. That seems to be pretty popular with everyone."

Best Place to See an Art Show: Balazo Gallery.

Best Place to Hang Your Hat: Ocean Beach Bed and Breakfast.

Download Two Gallants' "Despite What You've Been Told" here!