VERTICAL RUSH Of Real Dreams (WMUM)

Ten years is a long time in the Singapore music scene. Quite often, in twelve months, you will see a high turnover of bands as new names keep cropping up and the “old” ones kinda fade away…

Vertical Rush – like Force Vomit, Plainsunset and Tiramisu – are rarities, in that even after a decade, they are still plugging away to make an impact on the lives of Singapore music listeners – whoever they might be. 

It’s 2008 and the S-ROCK landscape, you might say, is informed by the sound of new indie emo rockers like Caracal and West Grand Boulevard. With their sophomore effort, it appears that Vertical Rush is taking a right old stab at putting their own mark on the genre, loosely speaking. 

The first thing that strikes you about Of Real Dreams is how polished it all sounds – not only the production but also the instrumentation – all very pristine and professional. Which I suppose much of the credit has to be shared between the band and ubiquitous producer Leonard Soosay.

That said, it has to be the substance and not the form, in my humble opinion, that will provide the litmus test as to whether Of Real Dreams is an album that the S-ROCK scene can hold up proudly to the rest of the world as representative of the best of what our little island can produce.

Without a doubt, the band is deft at raising the energy levels with frenetic exercises in sophisticated rocking viz. Your Last Song, Confidence, Spacemen, Wasting – which are basically built on intricate guitar riffs and singer Esmond Wee’s soaring vocals to get the adrenaline pumping. Which I believe will thrill all you emo kids out there, no question.

But, for me personally, Vertical Rush works best when they slow down the tempo ever so slightly towards the end of the album to touch heart and soul.

There’s the anthemic Grace (A Simple Plan) which features a variation of the slow-fast arrangement to good effect.

Then, there’s the gorgeous Angels, the highlight of Of Real Dreams. Essentially, a power ballad (for want of a better word) that twists and turns through different arranged segments to arrive at a sweet vocal section that simply sends a chill down my spine. Beautiful. 

Finally, there’s the folky Baby, which goes totally against type on this album and on that count alone, succeeds brilliantly and the 80s pop-rock vibe of Running With You, which fans of REM will definitely enjoy and perhaps a taste what might be…

In the final analysis, I would say that Of Real Dreams is a S-ROCK essential and one that will endure in the years to come, with enough vigor and introspection to satisfy the young and the young-at-heart! 

Check out the band’s Myspace page for more info.