by JT Griffith

Fans of Vertical Horizon's breakthrough album Everything You Want may want to add Running on Ice to their collection. First released in 1995, their debut was distributed by Rhythmic Records (home of Jacopierce) for a reason. The album is a folk-based collection of songs with none that resemble the hard rock, electric guitar sounds that made them popular. Members of Dave Mathews Band (Carter Beauford) and Jackopierce make appearances, which results in a cool pickup for fans of those bands. Running on Ice reflects the band's early roots (and appreciation of James Taylor). Obviously fans of There and Back Again will love this CD, but it might be a stretch for the modern rock listener who shies away from mellow, softer sounds.