The Balancing Act CD

The third album release from this Tennesee trio is packed with new songs, rare tunes from independent releases, and Cool Hand Luke classics. The Balancing Act charts the bands progress with evolving sounds honed by a strong touring schedule. Includes "So Shall it Be," "Case of Emergency," "Skydive," and more.

For Mark Nicks, what once was a passing fancy has long since become his life’s passion. When Cool Hand Luke’s lead singer joined the fledgling punk band eight years ago as the drummer, there was no way he could have known he would outlast all of its original members and carry the torch into new musical territories.

But strangely, The Balancing Act, the band’s third national release on Floodgate Records, is more about looking back than looking toward the future with newest members Joey Holman (guitar) and Casey McBride (bass). That’s not necessarily a bad thing as 12 previously recorded songs (including rare tracks), plus two brand new tunes, highlight the artistic growth that Cool Hand Luke has achieved since its inception.

For the most part, Cool Hand Luke finds itself living in a mid-tempo groove that utilizes understated piano progressions, cascading electric guitar tones and laid-back drum patterns. Nicks’ calming tenor vocals fit perfectly with the ensemble’s solid musical foundation that still manages its fair share of time signature changes and mood-enhancing dynamics.

One blaring exception is the swelling post-punk flavored “Case of Emergency” which finds Nicks uncharacteristically resorting to pouting vocals and hardcore screams. Cool Hand Luke also mixes things up with “A Thank You,” a modern approach to the driving Euro-rock from the early ’80s.

Perhaps, more than anything, this retrospective showcases Nicks’ divergent lyrical approach that ranges from the descriptively sublime “Cinematic” to such overtly Christ-centered offerings as “Rest For The Weary” and “So Shall It Be” which encourages listeners to “Stand and lift your heads/ Redemption is drawing near.”

While this may not be the brand spanking new project preexisting fans might be hoping for, The Balancing Act should certainly provide an accurate portrayal of where Cool Hand Luke has been and where the delightfully enigmatic trio is heading. Supporters will also appreciate the liner notes that include an extensive band history featuring the emotionally-drenched details of its near demise and triumphant return.

CHAD BONHAM- CCMMagazine.com

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