Todd Underwood – When I Took My Watch OffReviewed by: Lee CallaghanEvolution Music PressFebruary 10, 2019It is a rare occurrence to be able to review an album with many musical styles, ideas and themes and all be from one artist. Todd Underwood’s release, When I Took My Watch Off, is a songwriter’s tribulation to the hard work and diversity to create a unique blend of concepts, yet still, retain the feel of a complete body of work. With pop-sensibilities, Heavy metal, Screamo, and dare I say, Jazz influences, and this album keeps the listener entertained while challenging them at the same time. Fresh off the success of Unfortunate Day, Todd Underwood looks to keep the songwriting momentum moving forward. Lead off track; Better Together exposes Todd Underwood’s ability to write a catchy pop/rock tune with an edge. The infectious melodies over a solid backline, allow for Todd’s story to unfurl. A track of separated love, anxiety at being alone and deep determination to correct some wrongs, we receive a message wrapped in a radio-friendly mix. “We are better together, our sum is better than its parts, you are everything to me, and you’re something that’s worth fighting for.”Panic has been receiving many accolades of late, so this is a song worth exploring. A straight up Rock N’ Roll track, complete with powerful riffs and screaming harmonies, this head-banging, the electric track is worth listening to over again. Todd Underwood displays his rhythm chops here, as he develops a tension with his beat which grows from the onset, coupled with the strong bass groove this track is worthy of a lead-off single. Lyrically, Todd once again uses metaphor-rich imagery to deliver his message, “How do you know, is it something that you were told, I’m not sure I can put it together, I can only imagine.”Of the eighteen songs on When I Took My Watch Off, the highlight track in this reviewer’s opinion is How I Really Feel. This guitar-heavy juggernaut of a track features Todd’s ability to really let his vocal dexterity show. With screaming falsetto, which touches on two registers, this track delivers power, aggression and a thematic approach to a jaded lover, bent on having the last word. “Ever since day one, you got me thinking on overdrive, pushing and pushing on, never give up, and I’m trying to be everything you wanted me to be, but it’s never enough, at least I haven’t given up.” Couple these lyrics with a ferocious tempo and pounding double-time drums, How I Really Feel may not be a radio-friendly single, but it’s a damn good track.Although reviewing all eighteen tracks is not in the scope of this review, it can be said this is an enjoyable album, rich with rhythm, melody, and harmony. Interesting, creative musical ideas, blended with meticulous lyrics, When I Took My Watch Off is a daring, experimental album which delivers more on each listen. Other tracks which stand-out include; (Title-track), When I Took My Watch Off, Get Out Of My Head, Think or Feel and Say Something. This album has dynamics which would appeal to any rock radio format, with the catchy choruses, and tight melodies, but overall this album is that indie release you brag to your friends about discovering, it’s cool for no other reason than its cool, the underlying musicality appeals to a wide range of listener with its avant-garde approach.