BROODING, BRILLIANT PIANO ROCK
Posted November 24, 2008
By CCMmagazine,
Lujo Records might be one of the brightest young labels around. And Cool Hand Luke stands as proof positive of that assertion.
The Florida band has been through the ringer enough to provide solid evidence for creating such dark textures and haunting melodies. Membership changes and questions regarding if they would even go on have given way to the band’s surest effort yet on The Sleeping House.
Equally disturbing and beautiful, The Sleeping House rides highs and lows to create a deeply moving, emotional experience. Mark Nicks and Joey Holman work together to perfectly balance and buoy each other, with neither moving too far from the other without making sure everything is in its proper place. Even on slower numbers like “The Mirror,” Nicks reins it in even when it’s his moment to shine.
Tempo changes and inventive song structures mark “The City Prevails” and “Failing in Love,” with the latter being a stunning rock anthem proved by Holman’s best work. “Spirit Sing” evokes Travis comparisons with its easygoing nature, while “Wide Awake” seems the electric, soaring song that Sleeping At Last has yet to create.
The Sleeping House is perfectly sequenced, and producer Matt Goldman’s (Underoath, Copeland) hand brings it all together. –Matt Conner
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today! View All Music And Book Reviews By CCMmagazine | View CCMmagazine's Profile
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