Chicago band 1000 Vertical Feet climbed its way up to The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, last weekend.

Formed in 2001, the four- piece band of guitar, drums, bass and synthesizers “rely heavily on improvisation and making up songs on the spot,” said the guitarist, known only as Wilson. “Sometimes things get a little dark.”

Things darkened Friday night once 1000 Vertical Feet took the stage following band Future Rock.

The band slowly built up a spacey, synthesizer-heavy jam. Once it found its groove, it wove the songs together, leaving the music open to travel in new directions.

Wilson used a variety of guitar pedals to create strange ambient loops and distorted melodies. Drummer Dan Kummer made his drum set sound like an electronic beat box, adding to the spacey atmosphere.

As opposed to soloing and singling out individual members, the band jammed as a whole.

1000 Vertical Feet is instrumental, but it sometimes play with a deejay. “A deejay can change the vibe of a room instantly,” said Wilson. While this may be true, it doesn’t mean this band needs a deejay to change the vibe. One minute the audience was relaxed, taking in the atmosphere, the next, they were up front dancing.

1000 Vertical Feet currently is working on its second studio album, as well as a live album.

If the guys can capture the experience of a live show like last Friday’s on a CD, then they will have no problem with the uphill climb.