Its glossy pop-based songs about the uplifting power of community, importance of self acceptance and making valuable heartfelt connections offer a timely musical balm without ever screaming ‘pandemic record.’ A far cry from their angst-ridden early albums, Matchbox Twenty’s return is overflowing with infectious positive vibes and uplifting sonic strokes. ‘Where the Light Goes’ isn’t just a gift for fans who’d patiently awaited new music, but also for certain members of the group who, perhaps, needed reminding that this band still has a lot of gas left in its creative tank. Unable to get straight back out on the road once the world re-opened, due to shielding concerns for at risk family members, it seems unlikely Rob Thomas (vocals), Paul Doucette (guitar, drums, backing vocals, keys), Cook and Brian ‘Pookie’ Yale (bass) would have made their recently released fifth studio album without the events of the last few years having flung open the aforementioned door. While they all agreed Matchbox Twenty would continue as a touring outfit, when they weren’t pursuing a variety of other ventures away from the mothership, there was zero consensus about how, when and if they would add to their hit-laden catalogue. Prior to entering the studio last year, after guitarist Kyle Cook suggested the multi-million selling act, who first shot to fame in the mid-90s, used their downtime to make what would become the group’s first album since 2012’s ‘North’, the foursome had conflicting ideas about the band’s future. After over a decade without any new music from the US pop-rockers, and with both fans and band alike fearing that would remain the case, it took a confluence of events to finally end their prolonged recording hiatus. In the case of Matchbox Twenty, no sooner had their best laid touring plans been put on hold by the pandemic that a fresh chance presented itself. In 2013, Vertical Horizon returned with their fifth studio album, Echoes from the Underground, which once again featured Peart on two tracks.The old saying goes that, when one door closes, another opens. A year later, Kane announced he had left the band to focus on his solo career. Burning the Days was ultimately released in 2009. The band continued to work on a new record in his absence, with famed Rush percussionist Neil Peart lending his help to several tracks. A new contract was inked with Hybrid Recordings in 2005, but Toth left the band that same year, choosing to join the Doobie Brothers' touring lineup instead. Although originally intending to issue a follow-up album in late 2002, the bandmates struggled with their representation at RCA, and ultimately left the label after Go's release in September 2003. The album went double platinum on the success of the title track (a number one hit) and three additional singles, and Vertical Horizon supported its release with a string of American and European tour dates. Vertical Horizon reissued its three previous LPs after signing with RCA, and the band's major-label debut, Everything You Want, followed in July 1999. Such momentum wasn't lost on the major labels, and RCA ultimately offered the group a contract as the '90s drew to a close. Bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Ed Toth were added to the lineup in 1996, thus making Vertical Horizon a permanent four-piece, and 1997's Live Stages captured the quartet's strength in concert. They later crossed paths with Jackopierce, another acoustic rock act, and the two groups soon launched a multi-week package tour that introduced Vertical Horizon to a wider audience.īackup musicians were hired to fill out Vertical Horizon's evolving sound, and a tour alongside the Dave Matthews Band proved to be especially fortuitous, as drummer Carter Beauford - a newfound fan of the band - agreed to handle percussion duties on the sophomore effort Running on Ice. Shortly after graduation, they relocated to Boston to record a debut LP, 1992's There and Back Again, and returned to their native D.C. Matt Scannell and Keith Kane first performed together at Georgetown University, where the two undergraduates honed their harmonized vocals at parties and local coffeehouses. Launched in 1991 as a folk-based acoustic duo, Vertical Horizon gradually molded itself into a slick pop/rock outfit, culminating in the band's brief (but significant) heyday at the turn of the 21st century.
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