Choice Cut : Angels, Beautiful People, Running With You

Official website: http://www.myspace.com/verticalrush

Having been around for 10 years in the Singapore music scene, Vertical Rush is one gem that still sparkles brightly till this day. Known to leave a crowd mesmerized with their live performances, local veterans Vertical Rush is finally out with their eagerly anticipated (I kid you not) second full-length album, Of Real Dreams, recorded and mixed by the legendary, Leonard 'the hands' Soosay. After 4 years of hard work in the studio, the band has come up with an answer for all fans that just cannot get enough of their live magic.

Built on ragged bass riffs, "Your Last Song" is a rather upbeat kiss-off, with the misfortune of being a tad draggy as the ending instrumentals drone to a close. "Confidence" is a quietly inspiring track, with an interesting instrumental bridge. Short and sweet lyrics mark "Spacemen and "Wasting," pensive musings that rely more on experimental layering. VR shows some versatility as they tackle the jagged, syncopated beats of "7577," before taking on the slightly sombre tones of "Beautiful People."

The anthemic "Grace (A Simple Plan)" progresses through a variation of slow sway and fast romp. Gentle guitars break into a beautiful ballad in "Angels," the soaring vocals of Esmond lifting it into its melodic centre. With "Baby" comes a world of difference from the other tracks on Of Real Dreams - a sweet, soothing folksy number, reminiscent of the simple innocent love of childhood sweethearts. "Running With You" is familiar '80s pop-rock, featuring the high, delicate vocals of Sue-Ann Lee for an added dimension, rounding off a pleasant aural journey.

It works well that the lyrics are so earnest and contemplative, more so on the adrenaline rush of guitar riffs and climbing vocals. Even the production is extremely polished, and the presentation of sound professional, (courtesy of Leonard Soosay and the band). One gripe though, is the lengthy instrumental endings that characterize quite a few of the tracks. These start midway to three-quarters through to the end, by which, you'd have been all drowsed up. But that said, if you weren't a fan of Vertical Rush before, you probably would be, after Of Real Dreams.

With the magic of a Vertical Rush set condensed into a CD; what's not to love?

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