Three stars
Slick production, polished male vocals and both acoustic and electric guitars all make up that 100.3 The Peak sound present in a chick flick or in a band like Vertical Horizon.
The Peak and Student Special Events are bringing Vertical Horizon and Blue October to the SUB Ballroom tonight at 6:30 p.m.
Vertical Horizon's latest release, GO, isn't due out until Sept. 23, but the band has been promoting the album during its nationwide summer tour. Even from the opening track, "When You Cry," it is apparent that though catering to a specific audience, this band has been a lot of places musically.
GO is a well-constructed, trans-genred piece of work. From the poppy acoustic riff of "I'm Still Here" to the crunchy electric guitar riff of "Sunshine," Vertical Horizon asks its listeners to do a bit of traveling.
The most interesting part of tracks like "Sunshine" is the alternation between major and minor harmony and the thickly layered instrumental tracks. It's almost like this album is pulling little tricks on the ear - traveling one direction and then doing an about face without losing momentum.
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Lead singer Matt Scannell explained the contrasting moods of GO in a news release.
"Most of these songs have to do with taking steps," he said. "Do the things you want to do, experience what you need to, both positive and negative. It's about living your life."
So, personality disorder or not, GO could definitely not be accused of being stagnant. Still, some continuity beyond all the polish would really help this album. What it offers is an assorted collection of temperaments, but just when the groove begins to seep in, the band changes its identity chameleon-style.
At any rate, don't expect a boring show. Vertical Horizon also displays an impressive dynamic range, even on the album. All the players, including drummer Ed Toth, bassist Sean Hurley and guitarist Keith Kane exhibit a good sense of musicality.
It's ambiguous songs like "Goodbye Again" that show this band is only starting to make a decision regarding its sound. Wishy-washy lyrics and the uber radio-friendly chorus hangs transparently over the band's obvious attempt to make it. Tracks like the eclectic but whole-feeling "One of You" show a band on the verge of its genius.
"With our last album (1999's Everything You Want) we still had some unanswered questions about what kind of band we wanted to be," Scannell said. "We knew we were on a journey and wanted to keep developing. With this album, we're more certain than ever of our direction and identity."
At least that's the idea. Vertical Horizon still has a ways to go with regard to identity. The musicianship is there. The obvious appreciation for different styles and the layering of contrasting riffs point the way toward possible future greatness.
Sometimes though, those contrasts could be blended into a cohesive sound - one smacking of originality. As it is now, GO comes off as a bit derivative.
