But then the drums lurch forward, splintering into an angrily ticking hoard of sixteenth notes. The track opens with sustained notes on a synthesizer, a gentle flood of melody. This makes the metronomic charge of “Scars” an outlier on the EP. You hear the influence of Maxwell (“Relapse”) and Usher (“Comeback”) - as well as the presence of Brandy, who appears on the EP singing breathy, acrobatic lines about planets in retrograde. Several of these songs - especially “No More Tries,” a slick duet with Van Jess that captures a relationship on the verge of collapse - build around coiling, meticulous guitar lines, a backbone of so many late-1990s and early-2000s hits. He is signed to the indie record label Mind of a Genius. In 2014, he self-released his debut EP Zebra, which he describes as 'a sonic diary about dealing with the aftermath of New York' and was noted in 2015 for his single 'Weight in Gold'. Much of the eight-song set is devoted to a strain of R&B that flourished two decades ago. Christopher Gallant (born 1992), better known by his last name simply as Gallant, is an American singer-songwriter from Columbia, Maryland. Gallant exited the stage at the Fox Theater without a word, drawing his short and impactful set to a concise close.Gallant probes unhealed wounds in “Scars,” a pained but quick-stepping track from his new EP, Neptune. Gallant was engaging and raw, and though he hardly interacted with the crowd directly, he let the intimacy of his music speak for itself. Though Gallant’s performance was simple, he was effective in delivering a unique R&B sound without apology or buffer. The crowd would cheer and whistle whenever Gallant’s vocals reached octaves of dizzying heights - like they did on his performance of his hit single “Weight in Gold” - but the man himself was focused and intense. Gallant was so absorbed in his craft that there may as well have been a glass wall between him and the audience, a swaying mass of observers looking in on a display of raw emotion and talent. The slick quality was maintained through its delivery, as the performance felt slightly distant from those watching it. He first began to gain recognition after self-releasing his debut EP, Zebra in 2014. While it felt more lavish in comparison to his recorded work, Gallant’s live music never felt ostentatious or gaudy. Christopher Joseph Gallant III (born November 14, 1991), better known as Gallant, is an American singer and songwriter from Columbia, Maryland, signed to Mind of a Genius Records and Warner Bros. The two would share the spotlight, alternating frequently throughout songs as the rhythm would give way to Gallant’s smooth vocals. The energy between Gallant and the drummer was particularly potent Gallant’s vocals were beautifully accented by the frequent crashing of cymbals and smooth drum fills. The similarities between the R&B of the ‘70s and ‘80s and Gallant’s music were accentuated by the live drums, guitar and keyboard, highlighting the stylistic similarities between the two. Gallant’s voice became more like an instrument than a lyricist, laying melodic tones on top of the beefed-up sound his band provided. But in concert, the vocals are consumed by the frequencies of drums and guitar filling the venue. On record, Gallant’s songs boast crystal clear vocals over minimal instrumentals. Though many of the tracks on Ology, Gallant’s debut record, have a much more electronic sound, the live show featured live instrumentation, which added a new flavor to the typically more subdued feel on the album cut. The result was an unobstructed view and experience of the performance and music. The stage around him was humble and simplistic, with a slick “Gallant” logo projected onto the screen and nothing else. Gallant emerged in a flashy and simplistic white jacket and equally white jeans, mic in hand and burst into his first song with a spark that flourished into a bonfire by the end of the set. The set felt swift and dynamic, yet to the point: Gallant and his band were on the stage within seconds and off just as quickly, solidifying the impression that the music is all that mattered. His opening strike was the melodic “Talking to Myself,” a lyrically introspective jam that set the precedent for Gallant’s incredible use of falsetto vocals.

Like a nimble boxer in the ring, Gallant threw songs like punches, each more powerful and raw than the last.

Instead, he engaged in intimate conversation with his audience through soulful falsetto vocal riffs, passionate movement and sheer positive energy. “My name is Gallant.” Rising R&B singer Christopher Gallant, who performs under the mononym Gallant, didn’t say much to the crowd during his set at the Fox Theater in Oakland - at least not in plain words.

Gallant singer