Independent darlings Cool Hand Luke have a new 9-song disc out that is a strong proponent of the DIY ethic. Professionally and artfully packaged, the band continues to develop their melodic post-punk leanings, finding their melancholy center somewhere between Chicago and Seattle, almost like an Unwed Sailor with power chords and emo vocals (distinctly not of the emo-pop variety). They excel at crashing intros, and when they build songs up to haranguing distortion and back down to jangling interludes, which has been done to death, sure, but at least they are pretty good at it. An ambitious record, it can get scattered at times -- some more discipline in their song writing would help, but, overall, it displays a constantly evolving, learning group of young musicians who are well on their way to finding their voice, especially the triumphant tracks 7 and 8.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2002Reviewed by Marco PovervestCool Hand Luke is a three piece consisting of drummer Mark, guitarist Jason and bassist/vocalist Brandon. The first track is a tranquil yet vague song with piano, acoustic guitars, dark background sounds & chatting and church bells. Nice as background music. The second song, Destroying Transduction, proves this band's an emo rock band. The singing sounds a bit like Arjen from This Beautiful Mess…
