Q (11/00, p.117) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...The template for much that is good about current white American music: beautifully crafted songs...fantastic harmonies...decent lyrics and the sure knowledge that their music will become more rewarding with each play..."
Vertical Horizon: Matt Scannell (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, keyboards); Keith Kane (vocals, acoustic guitar); Sean Hurley (bass); Ed Toth (drums, percussion).
Recorded at Bearsville Studios, Bearsville, New York; Water Music, Hoboken, New Jersey; The Mix Room, Burbank, California.
Founding members Matthew Scannell and Keith Kane knew they weren't making a lateral move when they filled out their acoustic duet with a rhythm section. Adding bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Ed Toth completed the musical puzzle that would ignite the destiny of Vertical Horizon. The band's sound is best described as a hybrid of Jars of Clay and Live. The band's radio-ready album EVERYTHING YOU WANT bears engaging vocals and instantly likable hooks.
"Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)" is a darkly gentle ballad that talks to the aching heart. Scannell has conceived intense poetic moments, as in "Everything You Want." In "Finding Me," a fragile soul regresses to seek comfort in self-reflection and affliction; and the contrasting vocal harmonies of Scannell and Kane expertly shape the mood. After eight years of honing its craft, Vertical Horizon is poised to bring its musical landscape to the masses.