Concert Review: Towne Gives Pianos A Country Chord
“Yes, yes, and a thousand times YES!”, is all I could say as Towne gave Pianos NYC a country chord for it to sing along. There are rare moments where I feel success is written all over an act, but country music is filled with a loyal following and this duo gives some great ,country music. Their NYC concert felt like a taste of the giant pie their career will be serving, and it is delicious.
From CMA’s to Grammys, I can already hear their name amongst nominees: Towne. The duo of Steevie Steeves & Jon Decious are a perfect ying and yang persona; supporting each other like two halves of the same star. Decious has the cool, collected manner of the two. He plays his guitar and sings harmony with Steeves like a man cognizant of his musical foundation and a keeper of each song’s rhythm. Moreover, his voice is rich with depth; as if his soul were a well that echoes the wishes/lyrics he has for love. When he sings he closes his eyes as if he could see the words in hi head like swirling, pasteled vision of beauty. His depth does well to match the more dramatic vocals of Steevie Steeves. Her voice has an innate theatricality that stirs the emotions of Towne’s words to make them appear like a new take on love.
Like most country music/ music in general, Towne goes for the rollercoaster ride that is love. The virtue’s ups and downs have been well-documented throughout human history, but Steeves vocals make the sentiments and its effects refreshing to hear. She comes off like a teacher of the emotions, and uses the sways of her body and hands to show that love comes with its own lesson plan. Her “hand-ography” or use of her hands to evoke the imagery of Towne’s music makes her appear like a summoner of said sentiment, which is perfect for the narrative feel of Towne’s tracks. She reminded me of Stevie Nick’s “Gypsy”/ “Rhiannon” days, of which both share the physical and vocal capacity to evoke the dreaminess and paranoia that comes with love. Something so pure is bound to make you question yourself, and songs like “The Rest” and “The One I Love” are filled with love-lorn lyrics that bring out love’s pining nature. It is as if Towne sees love like a giant trophy on a golden pedestal, but life is their competitor, and whether it will let them win at love remains to be seen. Hence, their songs comes off like chapters in their book of love. One episode is more optimistic “All About Us” compared to others like, “Messed Up“. Yet, their songs of storybook love affairs give them resonance with classic, country duos like Johnny Cash and June Carter.
Together, they have a clear chemistry that makes viewers want to watch them playfully discuss and sing the meanings behind love-lorn lyrics.The musical kinship, respect, and chemistry Stevie Steeves and Jon Decious have for each other is a huge part of their charm on stage. Decious stands side by side with Steeves playing up my analogy of “two halves of one star”. It is clear that both know they shine better together, especially because their personalties connect beautifully in difference and similarity. While Decious has the dry-witted charm I previously mentioned, Steeves has the sweetness, smiling personality that will mutually enrapture fans, especially of country music. She is genuinely warm and kind, which endears followers of the genre whom, like myself, are all about the humble roots this music finds key to its sound. For More Information On Towne Click Here.
