TODD RUNDGREN'S UTOPIA

"Todd Rundgren's Utopia" is the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album by US progressive rock act Todd Rundgren's Utopia (they changed their name to Utopia in 1976). The album was released through Bearsville Records in October 1974. Sandwiched between the releases of band founder and vocalist/guitarist Todd Rundgren´s fifth- and sixth solo full-length studio albums "Todd" (February 1974) and "Initiation" (May 1975) and sharing some of the same members, Todd Rundgren's Utopia was founded as a more band oriented project for Rundgren, although Rundgren´s name is used in the title of the album, but as mentioned above the band would change their name to Utopia only a few years down the line, signalling that they were a band, rather than the project of just Rundgren.

The album features only four tracks but a total playing time of 59:18 minutes. Side 1 of the original vinyl version of the album features the 14:18 minutes long live recording "Utopia", the 10:14 minutes long "Freak Parade" and the 4:01 minutes long "Freedom Fighters". Side 2 of the original vinyl version of the album features the 30:22 minutes long "The Ikon".

Although the music features some vocals, they are relativley sparse, and the music is predominantly instrumental (featuring bass, drums, guitars, and loads of keyboards). Which is probably for the best as Rundgren doesn´t have the most distinct or interesting voice, although he does get the job done. The "Utopia" live track is quite impressive and well produced too, while "Freak Parade" is naturally a little more polished and controlled. To my ears the band are more interesting and powerful when they perform live, although "Freak Parade" is also a decent quality progressive rock song. The relatively short "Freedom Fighters" has an AOR edge to it, which makes it an easily accessible pop/rock song and by far the most accessible track on this album (but also the least interesting).

Featuring a 30 minutes long playing time "The Ikon" is naturally a very long and complex composition, featuring many different sections, atmospheres, and songwriting ideas. Stylistically it´s fully in line with the synth and guitar heavy progressive rock sound of the two other longer tracks featured on the album. So just like those tracks, "The Ikon" also features some vocal sections, but it´s predominently an instrumental oriented track. The vocal sections featured on "The Ikon" are the most well performed and well arranged on the whole album though, and it´s the only time during the album´s playing time where I´m thinking that the vocal sections aren´t an unneccesary distraction from the often brilliant instrumental part of the music.

Upon conclusion "Todd Rundgren's Utopia" is a both well produced, well performed, and for the most part well composed release. It´s slick and polished, sometimes featuring an almost pop oriented fusion edge, which is one of the features which makes it relatively unique. The obviously high level musicianship from all involved is also a defining feature of the album, and while a bit more emotional depth could have made this a more engaging listen (it does feel a bit emotionally shallow at times), "Todd Rundgren's Utopia" is still a good quality progressive rock release and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

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