"This is love, that you would die for me." There is no ambiguity in that line--no shadow of a doubt. One of the most impressive attributes of the new Cool Hand Luke album, Wake Up, O Sleeper, is its ability to be lyrically blatant without falling into the trap of triteness. Time and time again bands have found it impossible to say what they mean without succumbing to the corny or cliché, but this album is a shining example of how to get it done. The combination of heart-felt vocals, carefully crafted lyrics full of vivid images, and an indie rock sound make this recording something worth hearing.
The musicianship displayed on this album is excellent. It forces comparisons to the late great Sunny Day Real Estate, and, although the allusion may be lost on many, there are points at which one would swear he was hearing a new recording by the recently defunct band Shiner. The instruments and vocals weave around each other as only a first-rate indie rock band can do.
The record as a whole has a sense of continuity as one song leads smoothly into the next. However, just as the listener thinks he has it all figured out, he is thrown for a loop. The guitar heavy theme is broken with the piano-based "Nobody Hugs A Rose" on the fourth track. Later on the album a violin is added, and a glockenspiel and wind chimes even make an appearance before all is said and done. The listener's interest is also kept piqued throughout by various changes in rhythm and style.
While it's not something that one is generally looking for in a rock album, there are points during the course of Wake Up, O Sleeper that are nothing less than a worship experience. As Mark Nicks belts out "Hallelujah" near the end of "So Shall It Be," it is just so easy to be brought into worship. There's an honesty and urgency in that song that leaves much of the so-called "worship" music out there feel simply cold. "For You" is another beautiful expression that can touch the soul. The lyric "But if I'm a fool, I'm a fool for You" couples so nicely with the bridge, "I will rejoice in this foolishness," bringing the idea full circle. That mood of worship, while not as obvious during most of the album, is pervasive throughout the rest of the tracks as well.
The album is superbly produced and a sheer pleasure to listen to. It is a good length, and continues to be enjoyable after many spins. The album is not terribly original, but for a fan of high-quality indie rock music, it is an excellent bet.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Ken MuellerThis Tennessee emo-rock trio is back with a strong follow-up to 2001's I Fought Against Myself. This disc is the band's debut on Tim Taber's Floodgate Records. Last time around the band showed promise by distinguishing themselves from all of the other emo-wannabes out there by coming up with their very own sound. While at times they evoke the sound of some earlier bands, like Sunny Day Real…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Trae CadenheadIn the last few years, Tennessee-based indie rock band Cool Hand Luke has established quite a following. With this in mind, major distributors Floodgate Records picked the band up to release their latest full-length Wake Up, O Sleeper. The cover art and insert book for Wake Up, O Sleeper are impressive. The art work and drawings in the insert book do a good job of encouraging the listener to pop…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Matt ModrichCool Hand Luke is an indie rock band out of Tennessee of all places. Wake Up, O Sleeper is their first release on Floodgate Records and their third release overall. Even from the title Wake Up, O Sleeper it is clear that Cool Hand Luke envisions their music as worship. In their lyrics they reference nearly twenty Scripture references. But unlike some popular Christian groups, the spiritual…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Kevin MathewsThe opening minutes of Wake Up O Sleeper are fairly non-descript and make little impression. "Nobody Hugs a Rose," however, makes it all worthwhile. Like a breath of fresh air, the song's soft, pop air breaks the fog that permeates much of this debut. The cold, jazz-fusion sheen is hard to get to grips with. What a shame, since the lyrical content makes an effort to connect. 2.5 tocksSimilar sounding releases
2004mewithoutYouCatch for Us the Foxes
2002The CommonsEat Off the Vines
2004AdelaideOver Tired & Ill Prepared
2002PlankeyeWings to Fly
2000VerbowWhite Out
2000Sunny Day Real EstateThe Rising Tide
