Go vertical – or horizontal

It has been slightly more than three years since the debut album from Vertical Horizon. They… It has been slightly more than three years since the debut album from Vertical Horizon. They struck a nerve when they released Everything You Want, which featured four singles, including the title track and “You’re a God,” all of which were huge hits.

Now, three years later, the band has taken a more mature look at writing and making music, and have produced an album that is a testament to the things in life that you want to do and the things that need to be done.

The first single from Go, titled, “I’m Still Here,” is a poppy song with catchy guitar riffs, as well as solid hooks and lyrics. The chorus asks why things are the way they are in a messed-up relationship. “The cities grow the rivers flow/ where you are I’ll never know/ but I’m still here. / If you were right and I was wrong/ why are you the one who’s gone/ and I’m still here? / I’m still here.”

Lead singer and guitarist Matt Scannell, who sings with passion in every song, pens emotional songs about things happening in his everyday life. Along with Scannell is Keith Kane on guitar, Ed Toth on drums and Sean Hurley on bass.

Vertical Horizon keeps with the formula of music made their debut a success; the music isn’t heavy but has meaning and depth. The guitar riffs are heavier at times, but it’s a far cry from anything you would bang your head to. The songs on Go are a reflection of life, they have meaning and they are best enjoyed when listened to, not moshed to.”Sunshine” is a slightly heavier song, with a screaming guitar solo and heavier riffs then the rest of the songs on the album. The chorus takes off with, “I see you/ do you see me too/ close your eyes/ and leave me in the sunshine/ Come on through/ I will find you/ Close your eyes/ and leave me in the sunshine.”

Overall, the album is a good follow up to Everything You Want – a nice mix of light, emotional tracks and catchy, poppy tracks that will no doubt find their way onto radio with ease.