Double Trouble: The best two-piece bands in rock and blues
Gone are the days of scepticism towards duo bands, and the incredulity that two musicians cannot equal the power of four, five or more.
Acts with two members are growing to become a sought out talent, peaking the interest of potential listeners who wonder, “how can two people create such a sound?”. Or even better, immensely impressing audiences when they realise, “that band is two people?”. Duo bands bring a delightful sense of mystery to the industry - something four or five piece bands will never get the same taste of.
Here are ten of the best two-piece bands in the world of rock and blues.
THE BLUE STONES
Photo credit: Jennifer McCord
Comprised of Tarek Jafar and Justin Tessier, The Blue Stones are an alternative rock duo from Ontario. The band have been on the go since 2011 and have built a solid fanbase in Canada and the USA, but fly under the radar here in Ireland and parts of Europe. Delivering stellar singles such as “Be my fire”, “Black Holes (solid ground)” and “Shakin’ off the rust”, the band dip into blues and psychedelic rock styles to mould a robust alternative sound.
CROWN LANDS
Also hailing from Ontario, Crown Lands was formed by Cody Bowles and Kevin Comeau in 2015. Strongly aligned with Led Zeppelin, Greta Van Fleet and Rush, the two-piece effortlessly achieve an anthemic, ethereal rock sound. Setting them apart from the other duos in this list, member Cody Bowles is the group’s vocalist and drummer, which is always an impressive skill set, particularly to watch live.
DEA MATRONA
A Belfast duo who sound as if they’ve been plucked from the golden ages of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Dea Matrona was founded by lifelong friends Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe. Briefly branded as a trio after being joined by Mollie’s sister Mamie, the band have recently returned to a two-piece status, welcoming several excellent guest drummers for their tours.
THE BLACK KEYS
Though quite the household name, the band’s status as a two-piece is often forgotten. Formed in Ohio by Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, the duo have become one of the biggest names in mainstream rock since their formation in 2001. Best known for their 2011 album, “El Camino”, the band have always stayed true to their “two guys jamming together in a garage” roots.
LARKIN POE
Formed by sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell in Georgia, Larkin Poe is one of America’s biggest blues and folk rock acts from the last decade. Though accompanied by a backing band for the majority of their gigs, the band has forever been the project of the two sisters alone. Offering the richest of blues rock sounds driven by vocals, electric and steel-lap guitar, their skills expand to the mandolin, banjo, violin, piano, drum programming and bass.
CLEOPATRICK
Another Canadian duo, Cleopatrick is a dirty rock two-piece by Ian Fraser and Luke Gruntz. Driven by a guitar-and-drums pairing, the band achieve a gritty, angsty sound that could blow a lot of indie-rock bands right out of the water.
ROYAL BLOOD
A very prominent rock duo within the last few years, Royal Blood made a strong impression in the UK scene. Fronted by Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher, the duo's dense, warped sound revived interest in British alternative rock, and the band has gone from strength to strength since.
little thief
Composed of Bristol couple Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, Little Thief are an emerging duo wowing UK audiences with their intense, visceral live performances. Fronted by vocal power and backed with rhythmic power, the two-piece is crafting a very interesting alternative rock sound unlike anything else in the British market right now.
FAGASH MCCANN
Fagash McCann is a dark, fuzz rock duo from Belfast. We recently featured them as Act of the Week, so you can get the full rundown of their textured hard-rock sound HERE
LITTLE HURRICANE
Formed in 2010 and based in San Deigo, Little Hurricane is a blues rock act combining the talent of Anthony Catalano and Celeste Spina. Described as unapologetically authentic, the now married two-piece have an impalpable connection that is wonderfully exported through their music.
If you enjoyed these acts, check out our “Ultimate Rock & Metal” playlist on Spotify. Stream below!
One infectious, summery banger from the Finglas band.