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Biography
The band was formed at D.C's Georgetown University by guitarists and vocalists Keith Kane and Matthew Scannell. The duo cut their teeth by playing sets consisting mainly of covers in places ranging from local bars and clubs to their own university campus' food court. By the end of 1992, the duo had graduated from Georgetown, relocated to Boston, Massachusetts and self-released their debut album “There And Back Again”. While their debut record was a stripped down, acoustic affair, the duo began to expand their sound over the next few years, incorporating several backing musicians and guests on their second record, 1995's “Running On Ice”. It was at this point that the band started to gain recognition outside of their adopted home state of Boston, with two of their songs appearing on Aware Records' second compilation album.
As a response to this, the duo decided to expand into a band full time in 1996, five years after their formation as an acoustic duo. Thanks to their nonstop touring schedule and their first full band live album “Live Stages”, they picked up a devoted cult following and signed a record deal with RCA in 1998. The band were all set for a major breakthrough, and after the release of their major label debut album “Everything You Want” in 1999, the band found it with their 2000 single of the same name, which was a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 after 26 weeks on the chart. Its parent album went on to sell over two million copies in the U.S alone and for a moment, Vertical Horizon were one of the biggest bands in the country. Very few bands could keep up that kind of momentum and unfortunately, Vertical Horizon weren't one of them.
However, the band have flourished as the beloved cult act that they made their name as, and even after Keith Kane left the band in 2010 to pursue a solo career, Vertical Horizon continue to impress with both their live shows and their studio albums. For have more genuine longevity than the vast, vast majority of their peers and remaining a vital rock band to this very day, Vertical Horizon come highly recommended.
Live reviews
If you were ever a fan of the post-grunge, ‘alternative’ rock scene that exploded in the 1990s and early 2000s- black jeans, baggy jumpers and long hair to boot- then you’re in for a treat with a Vertical Horizon gig. The quartet, begun by founders Matthew Scannell and Kieth Kane when they were still students at Washington DC’s Georgetown University back in 1991, are still bringing their brand of radio-friendly sinalong rock hits to audiences around the globe today. They haven’t lost any of their anthemic and easy-to-rock-out-to grooves and rifftastic guitar solos either- playing all their most well known classics of the last 20 years such as ‘Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)’, the foot-tapping, arm-waving ‘You’re A God’ and their singalong anthem, ‘Everything You Want’.
Their show at the Irving Arena in West Virginia two years ago proved that the era of grungy alt-rock is still alive and well, with hundreds of fans turned out to get in on the nostalgia-fest and dance the night away to some rocktastic ballads and good-time moshpit starters. While they might not be winning awards anytime soon for poetic prowess, Vertical Horizon deliver solid, rock & roll tunes and epic, searing guitar solos that leave their fans, as well as newcomers, grinning and stamping their feet for an encore.
louise_h
Sometimes a band is able to build a reputation for the live show as they are simply a well trained operation with a strong discography behind it. Washington alternative rock band Vertical Horizon definitely fall into this category as over their career that now spans over twenty years, they have not released a bad album.
This level of consistency means the setlist almost creates itself and it is very easy to line the tracks side by side and achieve a good sense of fluidity. As the albums have all remained strong, they have picked up fans along the years so therefore everybody will have preference on the material played so the variation is a good way to cater to the masses. Obviously they acknowledge the success of the third album 'Everything You Want' by playing the singles 'You're A God' 'Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)' and of course the number one track 'Everything You Want'. The fans are here for the show in general though and applaud and cheer for each track with the same intent which is a huge credit to the band.
sean-ward
I loved every moment of their performance! The lead singer was well engaged with his audience. Transition from song to song was smooth and consistent! All the songs were in perfect tune, and sounded just as they did when I originally heard them years ago. I did feel bad for the band as the way the stage was set up, they were in direct sun light through their whole session and they didn't complain one bit. The over all experience was Awesome!
sherry-blanton
It was AMAZING! One of the best experiences I have ever had at a concert. I have loved this band for so long, and I am so happy I found out about this show. They were so incredible, interactive with the audience, and just looked like they were having an amazing time as well. I wish I could do over the whole night again!! Thank you Vertical Horizon, your music really touches me.
Mm.king3
One of my favorite shows! Nice mix of old and new music. The band was so happy that would smile at each other while performing. Great at engaging the crowd - you'll be encouraged to sing. And the vocals are even better live than I could have imagined (my first time seeing them).
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