Tomorrow evening the Notre Dame community will be given a musical shot in the arm, courtesy of recent radio darlings Vertical Horizon. But this is not some case of a U93 one-hit wonder. Vertical Horizon has paid its dues, traveling across the country playing their folk rock for college audiences.

Originally an acoustic duo comprised in 1991 of guitarists/vocalists Keith Kane and Matt Scannell, Horizon employed drummer Ed Toth before the release of the live album Live Stages. The album served as a turning point for the band, elevating their sound to a more aggressive ear-catching style. The band came full circle in 1998 with the addition of bassist Sean Hurley and has not turned back since. The release of their latest studio effort, Everything You Want, has modern rock radio stations chomping at the bit.

One might have trouble putting Vertical Horizon into a set musical category. When I talked to Ed Toth on Friday he was having trouble categorizing the band as well.

"Our sound is all about wherever we are at a particular time. The first album was more about being a folk duo. Then we progressed further and further. Live Stages pretty much showed what was going on in the live show at the time. Now the new album has us running into the whole '90s modern rock scene."

Toth is right on the money when he mentions Vertical Horizon jumping into the "modern rock scene." Such radio friendly songs as "We Are" and the title track have propelled the group to some mainstream status. However, with big success comes some big challenges, namely dealing with the newfound celebrity.

Although the studio album has been a major success, the band is known for its electrifying live show. Known for varying their setlists, Vertical Horizon has enjoyed large crowds across the country in many clubs. Toth promised a show with about half new material and half old material.

There has been some misconceptions about the live aspect of the band. One myth is that the band is heavily based on improvisational jams.

"I don't really know how we got clumped together with the jam bands," says Toth. "I mean we don't jam the way a Widespread Panic or a Phish jams. I think people think we are one of those jam bands because we know how to play our instruments well."

In fact, the drummer thinks the band has wisely stayed away from some of the negative aspects associated with jamming. It's possible to tailor music for an optimal live performance, but that doesn't neccesarily mean doing 20-minute versions of every song.

"Sure, we know how to expand our songs in concert, but we also know that there is a limit. Sometimes you can say what you have to say without going overboard."

Another common myth that circulated was that Vertical Horizon was a Christian rock group. I had heard the rumors, particularly about one of their songs called "The Man Who Would Be Santa." The lyrics depict a loving relationship between a father and his son, but word across the internet was that the man known as Santa was really Jesus Christ. So I decided to come right out and ask Ed if they were indeed a Christian band. I was answered with a chuckle and a shout in the background.

"Hey guys, we are getting the Christian question again."

Turns out that the rumors weren't exactly right on.

"I think when a band has songs that deal with positive messages everyone is all confused. I mean it's fine with us because there can be 5,000 different interpretations about a song. People can think whatever they want, but we are not a Christian band. We don't even go to church when we are on the road," explained Toth.

Some of the blame for the misconception might be attributed to a Christian group that attends Horizon shows and makes the claim that the band is religiously affiliated.

"Even though that's not the case," said Toth, "it's cool that they are coming to the shows and getting something out of it."

It's good to hear a band that isn't screaming its head off about moshing and other nonsense. Vertical Horizon doesn't write crappy songs about "The Nookie." Instead they write infectious melodies with worthwhile lyrics. While talking to Toth is was apparante that the band has a genuine love of music. And on Wednsday they will be spreading the love.

• Vertical Horizon is `everything you want' in a band
  
• For Stroke 9, hard work finally pays off