The Twangtown Paramours (from Double Down On a Bad Thing

The Twangtown Paramours (from Double Down On a Bad Thing on Inside Edge Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)

For the time being anyway, The Twangtown Paramours can now lay claim to possessing a misnomer as far as their handle is concerned. Not that the Nashville-based duo —  Mike T. Lewis and MaryBeth Zamer — aren’t paramours of a sort, albeit with the legitimacy that accompanies their status as husband and wife. Rather, it’s the term ‘twangtown’ that’s now called into question. While their first two outings lived up to that portion of their name, courtesy of a sound that leaned heavily on acoustic Americana, Double Down on a Bad Thing finds them doubling down in another direction, one that veers towards absolute R&B. In so doing, they gravitate towards a groove that boasts an old school approach of a ‘60s and ‘70s vintage. There’re more than a few songs here that could have once been considered classics, had they originally appeared during that earlier era.

While the change in tack may surprise some, the fact that it’s been a full decade since the release of their sophomore set doesn’t make the shift in stance all that sudden or surprising. After all, ten years allows for a lot of evolution, even in the most linear trajectory. Nevertheless, the new music is somewhat startling, given that it diverts so dramatically from the sound they were procuring early on.

At the same time, it’s clear that the pair are committed to their calling, and their blend of Blues, balladry, Funk, and Soul leaves no doubt as to their initial inspiration. Both the title track and the album closer, “My Gingerbread Man”, set a high bar in terms of their spunk and sass, but it’s the assertive approach taken by “Talk About Peace” along with the upbeat engagement of “Comin’ Back,” “Some Other Day” and “Sincerely Yours No More” which genuinely confirm both the bluster and bravado. So too, Zamer’s soulful wail brings earnest emotion and clear commitment to songs such as “That’s What the Blues Are For,” “Love Is a Stranger” and “Anyone but You,” all of which offer astute examples of Twangtown Paramour’s tender trappings.

Ultimately, Double Down on a Bad Thing demonstrates the couple’s ability to rebrand themselves while bringing much needed exuberance and enthusiasm to all those who have long grown weary of the distance and distraction caused by the pandemic. While it will certainly take more than momentary respite to rouse the weary, it’s an effective means of igniting both relief and recovery. (By Lee Zimmerman)

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