TOD HOWARTH - Opposite Gods (2010)

Tod Howarth, a highly respected veteran who has played with Frehley's Comet, Ted Nugent, Cheap Trick, 707, and others, has been making music for over twenty-five years with some of rocks best and brightest stars.
When asked why he continues to branch out on his own rather than accept the many interesting offers that come his way, he responds:
"I hear songs in my head all the time, and this was another way to rid them of my cranial prison as it were... and I have to complete my projects hell or high water, money or not, fame or not."

Like a fine wine, Howarth demonstrates with his new CD in 10 years, "Opposite Gods", that he has improved with age, becoming ever more nuanced and complex.
A long time coming, this new recording was truly a labor of love:
"Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered under dire conditions by me… the variables took their toll."
And he does mean by him. As with his prior releases, being the extremely talented musician that he is Tod once again is responsible for everything you hear coming from your speakers: guitars, drums, bass, keyboards, all vocals… the man is literally a one man band.
And a damn good one at that!

As with any rock album worth its salt, Opposite Gods opens with an absolute burner: "Drown" is a scathing, yet lyrically playful, indictment of the cult of personality in America.
Title track is about conflicts between faith and religion. Definitely a heavy hitter.
"Jimbo's Bunk" is Tod’s tribute to his best friend, who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident.
"The Artist" is a message from Tod to his artist son, this hauntingly beautiful song explores the frustration that a deeply passionate artist experiences. A floating, airy keyboard acts as the song’s subtle road map allowing the acoustic guitars to wander and explore.
"Layne" is tip of the cap from one musician to another, the late Layne Staley of Alice In Chains.
"On Your Own" is a traveling acoustic song, another offering of fatherly advice, this time for his daughter Tara.
The instrumental "October Son" close the album with a soothing, atmospheric keyboard driven landscapes. Exquisite track.

With "Opposite Gods" Tod Howarth demonstrates in no uncertain terms that while one hit wonders and flavors-of-the-month will always flame out, true talent will burn brightly forever.
A well balanced recording, sometimes hard hitting, sometimes melodic, with meaty lyrics.


01 - Drown
02 - Way Down South
03 - Opposite Gods
04 - Jimbo's Bunk
05 - The Artist
06 - Layne
07 - Alfi's Torment
08 - Tell Me
09 - Change
10 - On Your Own
11 - Veterans
12 - Dancing Through The Pain
13 - October Son


Tod Howarth : everything



IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT !