Chances are, when one sees the letters VH, it conjures up images of Van Halen’s David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar on stage singing “Jump” or “Right Now.” Besides the same initials, Vertical Horizon has also been through their share of changing genres and revolving band members. But that’s actually where the similarities end.
Vertical Horizon got their start in 1990 when two undergrads named Keith Kane and Matt Scannell discovered a shared vision for life and music. They initially formed Vertical Horizon as an acoustic folk duo at Georgetown University, then quickly gained wider recognition and popularity while amassing a grass-roots following. After graduation, they took their act on tour for the next two years and released two independent projects as well, There and Back Again and Running on Ice.
The albums gained the attention of record executives, and Vertical Horizon signed with RCA in 1998. By this time, the group had gained two new members in drummer Ed Toth and bassist Sean Hurley. Their first major-label single “We Are” earned recognition on mainstream radio, then the second single “Everything you Want” skyrocketed up the charts. It ended up as the fifth-most played song on radio in 2000.
Unfortunately, Vertical Horizon’s mainstream success was short-lived. Clive Davis took over the label in 2002, just as Vertical Horizon was completing Go, their long-waited follow up to Everything You Want. The album was delayed still further, and these changes led to discord between the label and the group. Soon, members were swinging in and out like a revolving door. This led to Vertical Horizon’s changing philosophy and sound. Founding member Matt Scannell remains frontman and principal songwriter, but he’s now the only original member of the band.
The Lost Mile arrives five years after Vertical Horizon’s most recent album, and it reflects the evolution of the band and the changes they’ve been through. Or, more specifically, how those changes impacted Scannell.
In the past, there was always an edge, melancholy or bitterness to Matt Scannell’s music, like he didn’t want to fully surrender to his feelings. On The Lost Mile, however, he does just that, which might lead to mixed reviews. Those who are looking for the mainstream pop-rock of VH’s past will be disappointed. In fact, one could even argue that this is more of a Matt Scannell album rather than a Vertical Horizon album, since it can be so much different than what the public may remember about them.
The Lost Mile is really more of an homage to Scannell’s influences and favorite artists like Depeche Mode, New Order and the Cure. The album also features a seemingly unlikely collaboration with Richard Marx. The two actually formed a friendship and have co-written songs and produced artists together. They also perform as Duo, presenting stripped-down acoustic versions of some of their biggest hits along with some new originals. One such tune, “I’m Not Running,” is featured on The Lost Mile, but it seems a bit out of place, considering the tone of the other songs.
Although Matt Scannell’s first love is his guitar, the best songs on the album – including “Out of the Blue” and “Save Love” – actually feature the piano. “Out of the Blue” is contemplative and reflective, with a beautiful keyboard intro. It might have been the most natural and effortless song on the album, but the addition of drums and ’80-style synthesizer isn’t a good fit. “Save Love” shares similar characteristics in that it has a similar intro, but it eventually emerges as the most honest and raw song on this album.
So, the album has a complicated legacy. The Lost Mile likely hit home with die-hard Vertical Horizon fans, but those who favor their earlier mainstream pop-rock approach – and those who are not familiar with the band’s quite varied catalog – will be in for disappointment.
- Vertical Horizon – ‘The Lost Mile’ (2018) - March 8, 2019
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