In the follow up to his 2016 autobiography Only Half There, Devin Townsend tells the story of his life through the lens of a camera. Overexposed + Underdeveloped is an intimate glimpse into the life of Townsend through a series of photos from both his own personal collection and professional shoots.
Taking you from the very start of his life up to 2023, the book is packed full of photographs giving you a never before seen look into his life. Accompanying each photo is a usually, extensive witty caption from Townsend recalling the specific memory, place and time.
Serving as a companion offering to Only Half There, Overexposed + Underdeveloped gives further insight into the stories told in the previous book and brings them to life with the photographs. Townsend often recalls the stories told in Only Half There, making both books almost perfectly blend together.
As with anything created by Townsend there his infectious personality just grips you, keeping you constantly engaged in what is a pretty fast paced read. His humour shines throughout the book as well, as you would expect. Often poking fun at a number of questionable hairstyles or outfits from his past, Townsend doesn’t go lightly on himself. Then there are some photographs that shouldn’t see the light of day such as one particular one involving a phone. As Townsend puts it “Here’s me with a phone up my ass,” – we’ll leave that one there.
Townsend’s fashion and style plays a big part throughout the book. Born and raised in Vancouver and then moving to LA, you’re able to see notable shifts in his clothing and appearance through the photos. Often getting stranger as Townsend became increasingly familiar with LA and Steve Vai in the 90s before stating he went out of his way to “look as fucked up as I could,” as you do.
The visual journey you’re taken on from Townsend being a “need blob,” to a heavy metal icon is a fun one. Putting five decades worth of memories and photographs into just over 200 pages is some task, which Townsend has pulled of perfectly. It’s fast paced and an easy read with all the visual aspects. If you’re a fan of Devin Townsend, metal or just music in general, Overexposed + Underdeveloped has to be your next read.
Purchase Overexposed + Underdeveloped HERE
