Music Style Power-Pop, Rock/Alternative

Similar Artists Foo Fighters, Marvelous 3, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Eat World

Artist History Imagine a band that has the humor of the Barenaked Ladies, the throaty vocals of Lifehouse, and more hooks than your uncle Jim's tackle box...and you have Vertigo Bliss. Forming in 2000 out of Spokane, Washington, Vertigo Bliss has always believed in playing music for the masses, and "Fun" is what this band is all about. Being dubbed "the rowdy trio" by area music editors for their outrageous antics, sense of humor and energetic live shows, front man Dave Kotlan flawlessly melds a raw guitar style, edgy vocals and thoughtful, heart-piercing song writing reminiscent of Jimmy Eat World, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Eve 6. Drummer/vocalist Steve Hurlburt gives the band it's backbone and is known for his wild antics and unpredictable behavior. Filling out this critically acclaimed band is left-handed, veteran bassist Denny Holler, blazing through the fret board like a freight train. Vertigo Bliss blasted on to the music scene in 2000 with "focus," their #1 selling debut CD (in the Inland Northwest). Focus is inundated with clever hooks, identifying themes and addictive melodies. Songs like "lost my head" and "I'm not telling" quickly became the band's anthems and have become regulars on local radio stations. Their new CD entitled "phonophobic," released in 2003, is their 'homage to nostalgia' drenched in unapologetic power-pop tunes glazed with a new attitude that greatly reflects the personality of Vertigo Bliss and their live shows. From the tonque-in-cheek songs: "zipper-mask," "bi-curious girlfriend," and the ode to boy bands "bs," to the more serious side with: "my bad," "you," and "the last drive-in theatre"...Vertigo Bliss has something for everyone. In October 2001, after six weeks of competition, Vertigo Bliss blazed their way into first place in the Inland Northwest Battle of the Bands finals, held by the area's #1 rock radio station KHTQ Rock 94 ½. From there, the band has been regularly played, and requested, on many of the top local radio stations and has shared the stage with many national acts, including The Flys, Concrete Bonde, Flying Blind, and Before Braille. Vertigo Bliss has quickly become a favorite among community charities and music fans alike. They founded, organize and headline the "Rock For Tots" concert every Christmas. This is an event that brings together the Inland Northwest's finest bands for an incredible evening of music in an effort to collect toys and raise cash for the Toys For Tots Foundation and our area kids.

Group Members Dave Kotlan - Vocals, Guitars / Steve Hurlburt - Drums / Denny Holler - Bass

Albums Focus (2000), Phonophobic (2003)

Press Reviews "Vertigo Bliss have an uncanny knack for songwriting." --Grant Purdum, The Local Planet / "Phonophobic is an impressive nod to good old-fashioned power pop." --Heather Lalley, The Spokesman Review / "Vertigo Bliss - one of Spokane's Leaders in Original music. We at Local 945 and Rock 94 ½ feel that the music that this band produces is just one example of their entity. They tirelessly give their talents for charities, benefits, and station functions that benefit the community and their generosity is endless - oh, and the music, well, we dare you to find a song on their CD without a hook in it! They can be heard regularly on Rock 94 ½." --Tripp Rogers, KHTQ 94.5 FM Rock 94 ½, KXLY Broadcasting, USA / "Vertigo Bliss kisses its offerings with just enough pop structure, interesting chord progressions and fluid mood swings to snuggle in nicely alongside the songs of popular alternative radio rock." --Jeremy Hadley, Music Editor, The Local Planet / CD Review -- Vertigo Bliss: Focus Spirited if somewhat formulaic guitar rock from a group of locals who seemed to have emerged from nowhere with Focus, a slick, professional sounding (and looking) package. "The Hardest Thing to Give (Is In)" opens the album with big guitars and earnest vocals courtesy of principal songwriter, Dave Kotlan. The backbeat and low end thump are provided by Steve Hurlburt and Jack Stone, respectively. The 10-song collection is varied with occasional power ballads breaking up the highly charged, more anthemic tunes. Lyrically, familiar themes of love, loss, longing and betrayal dominate. Sounds ready for Triple A radio to me. -- Mike Corrigan, The Inlander 11/16/2000

Location Spokane, WA - USA

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