Underkill

About

Underkill appears on Under the Radar Vol. 3 and was written by Robbie Williams with Kelvin Andrews, Richard Scott, Scott Ralph and Danny Spencer, long-time collaborators from Stoke-on-Trent. Produced by Rich Scott, it is one of the album’s darker, more introspective tracks, exploring the monotony and emotional fatigue of depression. Williams described it as “standing still while the world goes by, watching life happen but feeling detached from it.”

The song’s title plays on the idea of “overkill,” referring to the lack of force or energy to defeat an unseen enemy. Williams used it as a metaphor for emotional exhaustion and the quiet paralysis of despair. “When you wake up and can’t find joy or inspiration because something’s happened to take those things away, that’s underkill,” he explained. The lyrics capture this numb repetition: “Another day identical in every way, a parasite that needs a host.”

Musically, Underkill blends a moody electronic soundscape with brooding bass and echoing vocals. Its hypnotic rhythm and layered instrumentation mirror the sense of routine and mental stasis described in the lyric. Subtle strings and distorted keyboard textures add an unsettling atmosphere, while Williams’ restrained vocal performance conveys weariness and quiet frustration.

“It’s about looking around and feeling the certainty of the mundane. When you stop making plans and sit still, the world can feel overwhelming and grey.”Robbie Williams

The song’s reflective tone recalls the experimental work Williams made with the Stoke collective in the early 2000s, particularly during the Rudebox period. Fans praised Underkill for its honesty and poetic lyricism, noting its resemblance to Come Undone and Tripping in theme. Its understated production and emotional candour make it one of the most introspective moments on Under the Radar Vol. 3.