BY NICOLE HOYE
& TERRICA STRUDWICK
BRISBANE — In the midst of his "Stand down Howard" tour, Steve Towson has released his powerful second album One Shot at Freedom. Towson casually describes his music as a raw-boned, electric mix of folk, punk and blues. This comes through loud and clear on this must-have album.
"Corner of Blues and Jubilees" is the album's opening number. It's hard to believe the ferocious guitar riffs come from one man and a guitar, but Towson defies logic.
Fans will notice Towson's growth as a performer since his first album In a Shattered State, released about a year ago. His voice can both croon sweetly, as in the bleak "We Don't Need This", and scream anger, as in "The Madness of King George", a not-so-subtle attack on George Bush junior. Towson's songs stand out for their polished and political lyrics.
Towson told Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly that the reason for his tour's title is that it reflects his reaction to Prime Minister John Howard's attacks on refugees and trade unions, on higher education and Medicare, and the failed state of our hospitals and education system. Not to mention Howard's support for the illegal US war on Iraq.
"There have been many issues in the past year or so that I find the average Australian has had trouble turning a blind eye to, people have had to face up to issues that can't be ignored simply because of the impact they'll have on people's lives", Towson explained.
Such issues provide inspiration for progressive artists. "I've been very fortunate to be able to travel, which has allowed me to see personally that the world people like Howard claims to represent, does not exist. Having played in Singapore, Malaysia and throughout Australia, I've been able to see how other societies operate, how the world is affected by decisions our 'leaders' make. All these experiences inevitably filter through in my music".
"The likes of Howard and Bush can only be stopped by empowering people to believe that in a democracy everyone has the right to have their opinions heard. This is something that is not currently the case in the US or Australian elected dictatorships. Empowering people to believe that their opinion is valid and talking with people with respect regardless of their race, religion, geographical location and so on, will help prevent misunderstanding, confusion or alienation between working women and men."
Towson said that his fans are exceedingly happy with his new album, and it has received strong support from community radio stations, as well as increasing his reputation as a solo artist.
Towson is touring Queensland in November, and will perform in Malaysia and Thailand in December. He is soon to record with Canadian folk muso Chantal Vitalis.
One Shot at Freedom is available at the Brisbane Activist Centre and bookshop, 74b Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley.
For more information about "Stand down Howard" tours dates, where to purchase Towson's albums, what tracks are available for download and for the lyrics to Towson's songs, visit .
From Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly, November 12, 2003.
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