EP Review: Kip Moore’s ‘Underground’

After days of teasing on social media about “new music coming soon,” Kip Moore surprised fans on Oct. 14 with the reveal of his forthcoming five-song EP. Upon pre-order of Underground fans got a brand new, rockin’ tune called “My Kind” before the full EP drops Oct. 28.

“The problem I often face is leaving behind some songs, because I never stop writing,” Moore said in a press release announcing his new EP. “I write so many that some never see the light of day. I’ve been working on a full record, which looks to be coming out in late spring, but everywhere we go the fans keep asking for the recordings of these underground songs that they’ve been hearing for the last few years. They’re a passionate fan base so I decided to ask my label if I could record these songs live and give them the raw recordings. These songs are completely separate from the new record I’ve been making, I simply made this EP for the true fans.”

Moore’s true fans are no doubt grateful for the new music as the Georgia native shows his grit and country rock roots throughout each of the five tracks. “All Time Low” kicks things off and is an anthemic, arena-ready rock song if there ever was one. Showcasing Moore’s guttural, whiskey soaked vocals, “All Time Low” has him singing of being unlucky in love as he realizes “my baby’s gone, I’m at an all time low.” Trying to drown his sorrows in beer and whiskey at a local dive bar, he’s annoyed to find the cover band is only playing happy tunes. “I’m in need of a jukebox and a sad, old country song,” he laments alongside heavy bass accompaniment.

Things take a better turn on “My Kind,” co-written with Erik Dylan and Justin Weaver. A song that celebrates the rough and rowdy crew that Moore runs with, he warns “we take kind to strangers till they don’t take kind to us.” Steady percussion, Moore’s effortless vocals and memorable guitar parts that almost bring a jazz feel to the track make it nearly impossible not to tap your feet along while listening.

Meanwhile, the standout “Midnight Slow Dance” brings to mind Bruce Springsteen with its vivid imagery of a guy lusting after a girl while staring at her from afar. The track’s garage rock feel with relentless guitar-heavy interludes and Moore’s yearning vocals and “whoa-oh-oh’s” impress too, as if he was channeling The Boss while writing the song. Where “Midnight Slow Dance” brings to mind Springsteen, next track “Separate Ways” embodies a more playful, almost reggae spirit. The laidback tune has plenty of guitar fuzz at the song’s start before Moore’s vocals enter on a driving beat as he sings of how he just can’t seem to get over a former flame even though they both decided to go their separate ways.

“Separate days, separate nights wishin’ you were here while she’s by my side / In case you’re wonderin’ if you can’t tell this livin’ the dream is a livin’ hell / I sure hope you’re doin’ well,” he sings on “Separate Ways.”
Closing the album with “My Baby’s Gone,” Moore just can’t seem to get a break in the love department. Written with Bo and Bear Rinehart of South Carolina rock band NEEDTOBREATHE, the troubadour once again finds himself on the mend after a girl walks out of his life. A more nostalgic ballad, Moore recalls how things once were as he goes about his everyday routine without her in it. But, he finds peace in knowing that “life is sweeter with her memory” than without her. Wise words from the introspective rocker, Underground continues to showcase Moore’s songwriting chops and will no doubt please fans who have been on the hunt for new music.