Customer Reviews

Fires of Life

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Following up their successful debut release "Wake Up O Sleeper", Cool Hand Luke has returned with its second release on Floodgate Records, "The Fires Of Life".
The album picks up where "Sleeper" left off and retains the same moody nature of that album but offers several new musical surprises as well. Lead singer/drummer Mark Nicks expands his musical pallette by adding piano to many of the tracks. Also, the band has employed a new guitarist, Chris Susi, in place of original member Jason Hammil.
Standout tracks include the opening track "Skydive" (which owes more than just a nod to John Lennon musically), "The Foster", "Cinematic", "Rest For The Weary" and the title track. The album's main highlights are without a doubt "I'm Not Ready" and "Sequence 3". These two tracks are linked together without pause and form an 11-minute tour de force of initial warfare and subsequent victory.
The albums lyrics are entirely Scriptual-based. The Scripture references are interwoven throughout the printed lyrics in the CD booklet so if you have a Bible handy, it's easy to access and view the quoted verses in their full context.
Cool Hand Luke has furnished yet another winner with "The Fires Of Life". This album is just as good as its predecessor while offering fresh new musical ideas.
Highly recommended for fans of low-key Alternative Mood Rock.

This album grows on me more each time I listen to it (which has been about 5 times so far since I just borrowed it from a friend). The music of Cool Hand Luke is powerful in its orchestration and made even more so by the sincerity of the lyrics. I'm so happy to have found a good Christian band that plays real music--not sap. Their sound is similar in some ways to Coldplay, but I would never make a legitimate comparison between these two bands. Cool Hand Luke crafts songs with an order and beauty lost to many of their lo-fi contemporaries. Well worth a listen...or two or three!

Though the last review summed up what I wanted to say, I will still reiterate what was already voiced by saying that this is an excellent cd that picks up where "Sleeper" left off, but offers a more musically sound environment than previous attempts by Cool Hand Luke.

And though their albums are masterpieces, the band's live performance is equally as amazing. If you ever have the chance to see them perform, I cannot stress to you how much you should go. They never fail to pull you into their musical world, a true blessing in a musical scene riddled with mediocre bands intent on "putting on a show." Put simply, Cool Hand Luke doesn't merely put on a show; neither are they the show themselves. Rather, they let the audience know that the glory belongs to God and him alone. Their music isn't about impressing others, it's about inspiring.

Other than that, the band members are really great guys. I've had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Brandon, and I have nothing bad to say of them.

That's all I have to say. Just wanted to say what I think about this excellent band. Their music is inspiring and beautiful, and I thank God for Cool Hand Luke and their efforts as a band and as individuals.

Cool Hand Luke has always been able to present Christianity from an intelligent viewpoint, moving past all the Christian music stereotypes. This album is a gem. My favorite tracks are the foster and rest for the weary, but sincerely the whole album is amazing. Even if you aren't Christian, I've heard several non-christians say that they find their music to be very enjoyable. That's because good music defies classification. Can I get an amen?

Awesome album!!! Buy it!!

Cool Hand Luke deliver lush melodic rock combined with original and amazing lyrics. The lyrics are so well thought out and intelligent I would do them a disservice trying to explain them. The bottom line is that you really feel thier love for God, the spirituality contained in the lyrics makes alot of good points and doesn't sound cliche or in your face. The entire album is lovely and defies classifiction. When it comes to Christian music, these guys raise the bar. Cool Hand Luke is another one of those unsung bands that I'm glad I found out about.

Anyone who likes bands such as Coldplay, Travis, Elevator Division, Sleeping at Last, or This Holiday Life should definately check these guys out. If you already like Cool Hand Luke then I highly recommend This Holiday Life, they are excellent as well and sound alot alike.

CHL is an amazing band whose sound I can't get enough of. Their mellow, melodic style draws you in more and more each listen and their lyrics leave you in awe that anyone could write something this good. Hands down, CHL is one of the best around!

There are so many good things to say about this cd. Every song strikes a chord with me as a Christian who struggles to see God within the "fires of life". Though it has such a mellow feel to it and it's basically impossible to get your adrenaline pumping to, its mellow harmonies are deep and meaningful. I know every song by heart and will always list it in my top ten cd's of all.

Let it be known that this is Cool Hand Luke's 4th release (counting the independent release "I Fought Against Myself", and the excellent "So Far" ep).

"Rest For the Weary" is without a doubt the best song the band ever made, and thankfully it is on this album. It is originally off of a 7" vinyl sold at their concerts, and I'm a proud owner of an autographed one.

The lyrics and inspired and uplifting and the indie prog feel is unmatched. These guys truely are amazing. Unfortunately they broke up, but a friend who spoke with lead singer/drummer Mark Nicks says the band may regroup for one more album (but no tour). I hope the rumors are true! Another Cool Hand Luke release would be nice.

So give these guys a listen for some excellent, excellent music.

Can you say amazing? That is what this band does best. Cool Hand Luke has incredible lyrics and music the goes oh so well with it. From the beautifully crafted song of "Cinimatic" to the closing song of "The Fires of Life". All the songs are done well. I can't wait for more releases form CHL. Check them out!

Great music and awesome lyrics. I highly recommend it!!