Cool Hand Luke has always been an oddity to me. Playing atmospheric, haunting, remorseful rock with hopeful lyrical messages sung by a combination drummer/vocalist, the band was discovered by Floodgate Records in one of its earliest signings, although Floodgate is more of a loud-rock/emo/melodic hardcore type label. The band released a stellar album (entitled The Fires of Life), re-released an early release (Wake Up O Sleeper), and then disappeared for a year.

Today I relistened to The Fires of Life, and also checked out their site. Early last month they announced that they were back up on their feet, with an all-new lineup except for drummer/vocalist/keyboardist Mark Nicks. They could sound completely different now- in fact, I would almost expect it. Before they change for the better or the worse, I urge you to check out some tracks from their previous releases. None of the three are the best tracks they have, but they’re a good taste of the haunting, mournful sound that they manage to capture on many a track. It’s pretty incredible. The vocals are most stunning- especially when you consider that the drummer is the one singing them. That’s talent. Excellent intelligent rock.