On their new LP Safe In Sound, Pacific Northwest trio Under The Puddle melds chugging guitars with big sky melodies to craft a record that feels like a hidden gem, emerging from the dusty stacks of a vintage vinyl dealer. Epic and anthemic, echoing with a timeless energy, their sound was forged in the crucible of the rock club; since their inception the band has played nearly three hundred shows and they show no sign of slowing down. Tracked to 2″ tape and mixed with both analog and digital technology the Safe In Sound captures the magic that comes combining the old with the new.
Rising from the misty Snohomish River valley, their debut album The Moody Autumn was engineered and produced by Julie Nord. Since that time Under The Puddle has played from Alaska to Arizona, and gone through various personnel iterations, all centered around the songwriting of front man Mitch Clausen (vocals / guitar / piano / synth). Written in Clausen’s cliffside cottage overlooking the Pilchuck River, the Safe In Sound represents the strongest lineup in the band’s history. “As of today, we are a group of guys who truly love music, coming together on this project and committing to it” says Clausen. “We are enjoying every second of the process.”
Joining Clausen at the iconic Bear Creek Studio (Vance Joy, The Lumineers, Train), to track were bassist Collin Paynter and drummer Jake Board. The record was engineered by Taylor Carroll, who also co-produced with Clausen and lent a hand with percussion. Clausen’s vocal coach Susan Carr (Chris Cornell, Mastodon) provided essential guidance throughout the process.
Thematically, the Safe In Sound covers broad ground in its reflection upon the human experience. Single “Ready to Ride” was used in a video – featuring Super Bowl Champion Tight End and Seattle Seahawk Luke Wilson – for The Seattle Cycling Club. An apt metaphor, as “there is no finish line” explains Clausen. “Enjoying the journey, the highs and lows, the great times and the struggles are all part of the joy of living. It might sound cheesy, but I really believe we are put here to work hard and play hard and savor every part of this wonderful life. I try and just inhale reality and exhale music.”
A record made by artists committed to living in the present, those who listen will find inspiration to savor what may seem an ordinary existence. Under The Puddle will be here for us all, taking life as it comes, one song at a time.
