Regular readers of The Static Dive know Todd Underwood well. We have followed the West Coast rocker’s music ever since this blog’s launch in 2019. In that time he has released a string of insightful, sophisticated, and virtuosic rock and roll albums.
Todd has been making music professionally for more than 35 years, performing in a number of bands before embarking on his solo recording career. His sound keeps one foot in guitar-fueled art-rock and the other planted firmly in hook-soaked pop harmonies. He cites artists like The Police and prog-rock heroes King’s X as inspiration.
Outside is the brand new album from Todd Underwood. Released worldwide on December 14, 2024, the record is available on all major streaming services. On the 11-song set, the multi-instrumentalist songwriter/producer sets his sights and sizable skills toward matters of the world.
The record opens with “Welcome to the Stage”, an introspective alt-pop tale of life in showbiz. Todd continues the contemplation with “First in Line”, a downtempo ballad featuring plenty of his signature vocal harmonies. “It’s Not Broken” is a fun and funky allegory about being satisfied with what we have.
The album title track is a 7:42 epic dark-pop anthem about our fragile environment. It’s a topic made all the more poignant coming from a Los Angelino as his city suffers the most devastating wildfires. The hubris, excess, and self-destructive tendencies of our society are recurring themes on the record, on this track and others “Reap What I Sow” and the Living Colour-esque “Glass House”.
“Something You Wanted to Say” is a quirky funk-pop jam while “Too Soon to Quit” features some harder edge groove rock. “Shadow or the Battlefield” is a powerful and bluesy anti-war acoustic tune about children living in war zones. Underwood closes the set with the catchy “Ride it High” followed by the timely climate change ballad “Tell Me Not To Worry”.
Check out Outside in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear “Tell Me Not to Worry” and the title track on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist. Follow the links below to connect with the artist.