Review:

on 2012-05-21 MusicJournalist Said:

Vertical Horizon is back and better than ever with Burning the Days their sixth album and latest release after a six-year hiatus. The band has come a long way since their debut in 1992 with  There and Back Again which focused on the bands founding members Keith Kane and Matt Scannell each showcasing their signature voices and harmony-laced guitars for a folk-rock feel. Since than, the bands sound has evolved with founding member Matt Scannell taking the lead as front man and principle songwriter for the bands last two albums. One thing hasnt changed however, and that is the passion, perseverance and powerful lyrics that have been the foundation behind the band since its inception. Vertical Horizon is a band that not only believes in the music they have created but and each other as well. This is no more evident then in the fact that the band has released the album on their own label Outfall Records.

Lead singer and songwriter Matt Scannell wrote and produced all the songs on the album in his home studio, but not without a little help from his friends. Scannell collaborates with some star power in the form of Grammy award winning songwriter Richard Marx and Rushs Neil Peart.

Marx who lends his talents on piano and producing Scannells vocals on Save Me from Myself and Back to You but not to be outshined is Rushs Neil Peart who lends his talents drumming on Save Me from Myself, Welcome to the bottom, and  Even Now which Peart also co-wrote and can hear the influences from both men on the album in its lyrical structure, style and production.

With this album Vertical Horizon pushes the boundaries and exceeds expectations. Lyrically, Burning the days is stronger then the bands previous efforts it encompasses more cohesiveness then the band previous work, Scannell combines relatable lyrics with thematic storytelling, emotion and depth.

As a songwriter, Scannell is skilled at writing catchy riffs and memorable hooks that will soon find the listener singing along to many of the albums tracks.  Burning the Days explores the bands new musical direction with tracks that are more complex in texture and dynamics. In addition, Scannell also explores happiness with a sense of vulnerability and cautiousness that makes it all the more endearing then the darker side of love and loss the bands embraced in the past. The band also switches directions with this newest record as the majority of the tracks incorporate more of the acoustic sound the band originally began with in the early 90s. Some of the standout tracks on the album  All is Said and Done  The Lucky One  Middle Ground and  Here.

 I want you to hear me, I need you to feel this, All is Said and Done the first track on the album hooks you from the start from the synth loop to Scannells deep raspy vocals this song leaves you wanting more and the band does not disappoint.

 All is said and Done, is followed by The Lucky one the second track on the album and perhaps one of the most surprising tracks on the album its a light-hearted, love song, the piano intro is a welcome surprise and Scannell who has a knack for writing inspiring and invigorating choruses doesnt disappoint accompany a great chorus with soaring guitars.

 Middle Ground is delves more to the dark side of dealing with a relationship that you just cant let go of but there is a need for change, resolution. It is the strongest track on the album an all out rocker melodically pleasing and similar to the bands 2003 single  Im Still Here encompassing that mix of defiance, rebellion and perseverance.

Finally,  Here is a so subtle but so beautiful love song. Here is the closest to the bands duo days and reminiscent of their first cd There and Back Again its nice to hear that familiar sound of Scannells voice with minimal accompaniment until the chorus where he rocks out once again.  Here is that love song that you want to be serenaded by and one of the best examples of what happily ever after could be.

If there is one drawback to the album its the absence of co-founder, guitarist/vocalist Keith Kanes whose unique voice and memorable harmonies are absent or inaudible on the album disappointing the bands longtime fans. However, when  All Is Said And Done, Burning the Days is just as strong from beginning to end, making it the best and most complex album to date. Scannells lyrics resonate with fans because he is not only in tune with himself but with them and depicts that honestly in his songs.

Rating: 9/10