Customer Reviews

Burning the Days

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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 band's founding members Keith Kane and Matt Scannell each showcasing their signature voices and harmony-laced guitars for a folk-rock feel. Since than, the band's sound has evolved with founding member Matt Scannell taking the lead as front man and principle songwriter for the band's last two albums. One thing hasn't changed however, and that is the passion, perseverance and powerful lyrics that have been the foundation behind the band since it's 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 Rush's Neil Peart.

Marx who lends his talents on piano and producing Scannell's vocals on "Save Me from Myself" and "Back to You" but not to be outshined is Rush's 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 band's 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 album's tracks. " Burning the Days" explores the band's 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 band's 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 90's. 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 Scannell's 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 it's a light-hearted, love song, the piano intro is a welcome surprise and Scannell who has a knack for writing inspiring and invigorating choruses doesn't 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 can't 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 band's 2003 single " I'm 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 band's duo days and reminiscent of their first cd "There and Back Again" its nice to hear that familiar sound of Scannell's 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 it's the absence of co-founder, guitarist/vocalist Keith Kane's whose unique voice and memorable harmonies are absent or inaudible on the album disappointing the band's 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. Scannell's lyrics resonate with fans because he is not only in tune with himself but with them and depicts that honestly in his songs.

Vertical Horizon fans will rejoice with the release of Burning The Days. Well worth the wait. The hard rock edge has been toned down a little (just a little), but it still is vintage Vertical Horizon. "Save Me From Myself" is the first released single. Check out "The Middle Ground", "All Is Said And Done", "Back To You" and "Afterglow". Vertical Horizon fans will find this an easy purchase. Welcome back Vertical Horizon!

VH is one of those bands that has created excellent music through the years but somehow have continued to fly a little under the radar. Their last effort Go, although commendable was a little too heavy and unidimensional. The cool thing about Burning the days is it's variety and a sense that Matt Scannell and Keith Kane are now out to have a bit of fun by making the music they like. Excellent stuff. Personal favorites include Welcome to the Bottom, Even Now and the fine ballad Here. A very solid rock album by a band that deserves more attention.

To be honest, I purchased this CD due to VH's collaboration with Neil Peart - more than likely I would have never bought it. That been said, the CD is very good. As I write this comment, I'm listening to it for the 3rd time. 10-years ago I purchased `Everything You What', which contains a few radio-friendly tunes. I played it for a few weeks and achieved the CD until I purchased my 1st Windows compatible ipod in the Summer of 2003 (which essentially changed my musical venue - stepping away from my 10-CD changer in the trunk of my car). While on my ipod, "Everything" was only played, at most, twice. Upon reading Neil Peart's books "Ghost Rider" and "Traveling Music", I truly understand the force behind the brain of my all time favorite band, RUSH. In "Traveling Music" Neil tells the story of how he and Matt Scannell (VH's Lead singer and part-founder) met - an interesting coincidence, I must say. From that chance encounter grew a tight friendship and an artistic vibe that resonates in this CD "Burning Days".

As I finish listening this CD, I'm beginning to tap my feet - and of course `air-drumming' to "Welcome to the Bottom". For the curious minded, buy it. For RUSH fans... a must buy! Enjoy! I am!

...air drumming continues.

After a near 6 year break, Vertical Horizon has quietly crept back with a new CD entitled, "Burning the Days". The record picks up right where "Go" left off, serving up light rock with a punch, made more interesting thanks to the signature delivery of capable vocalist Matt Scannell.

Vertical Horizon gets a little help from friends on this offering. Neil Peart (Rush drummer) lends a hand on "Save Me From Myself", "Welcome To The Bottom", and "Even Now", which he also co-wrote. Richard Marx tickles the ivories on the schmaltzy ballad, "Here", a song that would sound right at home on one of his recent CDs. Marx also lends a hand producing some of Scannell's vocals. In case you missed it, Marx and Scannell have been quite the collaborators recently; Scannell helped Marx remember what it is like to rock on his CD "Emotional Remains".

Fans of the last two Vertical Horizon records should delight in "Burning the Days". Nothing is as intensely radio-friendly as their hits "Everything You Want" or "You're a God" - it takes a couple spins, but great rewards await as the hooks begin to reveal themselves. Like many of Scannell's songs, the verses can be a bit quiet and mundane, but he more than makes up for that with a soaring and memorable chorus. No song really races past mid-tempo, so listening to the album all the way through can be a chore, especially towards the end where the songs get significantly longer but less interesting. But in isolation, many of these songs are terrific, and to hear Scannell's voice back in action is a real treat. Highlights for me include "All Is Said and Done", "The Lucky One", "The Middle Ground", and "Carrying On".

Best tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9
Bill's Music Forum review

How many reviews have I put on Amazon? Maybe two or three, yet I'm a 3+ times per week customer (for many years). But when something is as good as this album, I have to break the pattern. I very have very much enjoyed VH's albums, but this is simply a standout. I cannot imagine a rock fan, going all the way back to the 60's that wouldn't appreciate this wonderful music. All around A+ work. Go VH!

I discovered VH through hearing (watching?) "Everything You Want" on MTV, then went out and bought their entire back catalog, and liked it all. It's been a long wait since "Go", and I was eager to hear the new CD. It was not what I expected. The harder rock edge of "Go" has changed. Now there's less distortion in the guitars but more time-based effects, which creates a janglier sound. Meanwhile, the tone of the lyrics has darkened substantially. The songs on "Go" were often about looking for, holding on to, or protecting relationships, while "Burning The Days" wants to punctuate and end them. I'm not sure what it all says about Matt's personal life, but I hope the man's doing OK.

I have to echo the question asked by so many reviewers - where's Keith in all this? Having one primary voice for the entire album gives it a unified feel that the older releases sometimes lacked, but it also reduces the variety of the tracks on the disc. Hopefully we hear more from him on the next release, and hear it soon.

Meanwhile I've had "Burning the Days" on continuous play for a week now, and it's got plenty of reps left to go.

Long time VH fans have had an extremely long wait for some new material. I'm very happy to say - the wait has been worthwhile. Their new album is simply brilliant. Absolutely strong, both lyrically and musically from start to finish. Matt Scannell is such a wonderful and talented songwriter who certainly knows how to craft great rock songs. There are some immediate stand out tracks such as 'Save Me From Myself' and 'Middleground' that resonate and hook you in from first listen. Other songs reveal themselves to you more and more with repeated listening. I've only had this album about 1 week now, but have already listened to it more times than I can count. There is not one weak track on the album. The only reason I'm pleased the last song 'Even Now' finishes is for me to start listening to the entire album all over again. This is the equal of any album they have released and continues the trend set by 'Everything You Want' and 'Go'. Welcome back VH. I just hope there are many more albums to come and that we don't have to wait long for the next release.

Okay, so I'm an older person whose taste has changed over the years to include much mellower music than Vertical Horizon. So I was watching the morning news one weekend and heard Vertical Horizon's "Save Me From Myself" - I was immediately hooked. I proceeded to purchase the CD. I listen to portions of it at least once a week on my drive to work. All the songs on this CD tell a story and are all well performed - some are a little faster and louder while others are softer. This is clearly a highly talended group. I look forward to experiencing more of Vertical Horizon and will be happy to purchase any other CD they put out in the future. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes good music of any genre.

This album, for the most part, brings back that feeling of their first cds "There and Back Again" and "Running on Ice". I became a fan of these guys when I heard those albums, and the two albums since, while not bad, just didn't feel like the music that made me like VH. On this album, there are tracks where it is very refreshing to hear Scannell's voice with minimal accompaniment until the chorus when it picks up again. "Here" is an excellent track that reminds me most of the pre-Everything You Want days.

My favorite VH songs are "On The Sea" and "The Man Who Would Be Santa" and there are several tracks on this album that remind me of those songs. "Even Now, and "I Believe in You" are great songs and have several parts where you can just listen to the lyrics and guitars.

Welcome back guys!