Kill Hannah - Wake Up the Sleepers

Rating

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RIYL

Aiden
Shiny Toy Guns
30 Seconds to Mars

Release Date

09/29/2009

Tracklist

1. Radio
2. Snowblinded
3. New York City Speed
4. Living in Misery
5. Strobe Lights
6. Grandma's Sad Eyes
7. Tokyo
8. Mouth to Mouth
9. Vultures
10. Escape Artistry
11. Acid Rain
12. Laika
13. Promise Me

Users Rating

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15 ratings

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Recent Ratings

The electro bandwagon is in full force these days. We’ve seen sundry one-hit wonders garner excessive, albeit brief, amounts of fame, and now we get to see how well veterans of the genre are able to contend with these newcomers. Kill Hannah’s latest album, Wake Up the Sleepers, is their sixth studio album and arguably their least inspired.

Due to Mat Devine’s high-pitched and unique voice, Kill Hannah has always been a bit of an acquired taste. Fans of the band have been known to regard them as messiahs of modern music, but those on the outskirts of that circle seem to have a bit of trouble digesting what the band is releasing. Their 2007 album, Until There’s Nothing Left of Us, found them at a bit of a more accessible sound, but it seems they’ve digressed from that point.

At the very least, Wake Up the Sleepers is consistent. There is no particular low point of the album, but there’s also no high point either. It sets a tone that tends to make the songs run together, but as a whole the album is not entirely dismissible. There are moments, such as in the tracks “Acid Rain” and “Laika,” that show just how much Kill Hannah has tightened their musicianship. They’re able to create some impressive, dance-centric walls of sound, but it seems that they’ve yet to find it in them to achieve much more than that.

Wake Up the Sleepers will most likely be a hit among the fans, but the lack of single-worthy material on here leaves reason to despair about the success of this release. They’ve certainly grown as musicians, but it seems they’ve left their sense of experimentation behind. If you’re already a fan, this one’s for you. If you’re on the outskirts and are even mildly curious about this band, give Until There’s Nothing Left of Us a try to see what they’re capable of.

--Dant Rambo

Author

Dante
Last updated: 10/12/2009 06:45AM

Comments

Dante
10/12/2009
07:07AM
Age: 21
Location
Fort Bragg, CA

I really wanted to like this album, too.

Rick Gebhardt
10/12/2009
07:10AM
Age: 30
Location
Minnesota

This band is overflowing with suck.

Find me EVERYWHERE:

Warrenwheel
10/12/2009
08:22AM
Age: 27
Location
Baltimore, MD

All kinds of lame

Dante
10/12/2009
12:37PM
Age: 21
Location
Fort Bragg, CA

I just checked out some other reviews, and it's pretty amazing how many bots and PR folks are padding the comments with positive endorsements. So undeserving...

C.a.l.a.
11/02/2009
08:56AM
Age: 30
Location
Texas
Dant Rambo

I just checked out some other reviews, and it's pretty amazing how many bots and PR folks are padding the comments with positive endorsements. So undeserving...

Why do you think it's bots and PR folks? I can tell you that the comments I've seen are from real fans just wanting to get the word out about their feelings on the album. Just because they don't agree with your review or the comments saying "lame" or "suck" with no further thought given (RIVETING, I must say!) does not mean that they are not valid thoughts.

I loved the album and think that they HAVE grown artistically and took some risks on this album. They have tracks with no guitars, Mat put a very personal song on the album that wasn't the whole "so generic everyone can relate" type of track. Were some fans expecting something different? Sure. Is it exactly like UTNLOU? Of course not. If this band ever put out two albums that sounded the same, it wouldn't be Kill Hannah.

And as far as this album not picking up any new fans? Well I myself have found that to be a false statement. I have had a lot of friends that never could quite understand my love for this band musically. When this album came out, I shared it with each of my friends, and have gotten statements that I have finally made them fans. They like the new sound and are now looking forward to seeing shows.

Just the opinion from a non-bot, non-PR person. :P

Rick Gebhardt
11/02/2009
09:14AM
Age: 30
Location
Minnesota

I am also a non-bot, non-PR person and I reiterate that this band is full of suck.  Suck suck suck suck suck suck.  And to explain even further, suck suck suck suck.  And to further explain in picture form my response to this album:

Find me EVERYWHERE:

C.a.l.a.
11/02/2009
11:13AM
Age: 30
Location
Texas

Your eloquence astounds me.

Rick Gebhardt
11/02/2009
11:19AM
Age: 30
Location
Minnesota

Find me EVERYWHERE:

happyknappy11
11/02/2009
11:27AM
Location
Somewhere in New York

Oh, it is so on!

"If someone gives you a kazoo and toots around the house to MTV, they're not gonna fuck you." - David Cross

Bill Lohr
11/02/2009
12:34PM
Age: 27
Location
Lehigh Valley, PA

Yea, Kill Hannah sucks. A LOT!  I'd rather listen to farm animals have sex.

Rick Gebhardt
11/02/2009
12:43PM
Age: 30
Location
Minnesota
Bill Lohr

Yea, Kill Hannah sucks. A LOT!  I'd rather listen to farm animals have sex.

I think I'm going to use that quote, and that quote only, for a review of a truly horrendous album sometime.  It'll be momentous.  Maybe the next album Kill Hannah releases.  Oh, burn!

Find me EVERYWHERE:

Bill Lohr
11/02/2009
12:47PM
Age: 27
Location
Lehigh Valley, PA
Rick Gebhardt
Bill Lohr

Yea, Kill Hannah sucks. A LOT!  I'd rather listen to farm animals have sex.

I think I'm going to use that quote, and that quote only, for a review of a truly horrendous album sometime.  It'll be momentous.  Maybe the next album Kill Hannah releases.  Oh, burn!

Just speakin the truth brother. See Rick, we can agree on some things...

Rick Gebhardt
11/02/2009
01:08PM
Age: 30
Location
Minnesota

Iron Maiden sucks.

Find me EVERYWHERE:

Bill Lohr
11/02/2009
01:13PM
Age: 27
Location
Lehigh Valley, PA

Alright...that went out the window.

Rick Gebhardt
11/02/2009
01:52PM
Age: 30
Location
Minnesota

Find me EVERYWHERE:

happyknappy11
11/02/2009
02:00PM
Location
Somewhere in New York

Rick, you just made my day.

"If someone gives you a kazoo and toots around the house to MTV, they're not gonna fuck you." - David Cross

zbomb8
11/02/2009
04:10PM
Age: 32
Location
Los Angeles / Hollywood

I really enjoy this album.  I believe they have gone to new heights.  I understand that KH may not be for everyone, but I have not heard another album that I enjoyed listening to as much as this one.  It's been in my cd player since September and I listen to nearly everyday.  There is a song for my every mood...and when I'm sad or angry it lifts me up.  Maybe you just need to relax, and let it play a couple times...really listen to the lyrics...get in touch with your thoughts, feelings, etc..  Maybe then you will be able to appreciate something new.

Dante
11/02/2009
05:13PM
Age: 21
Location
Fort Bragg, CA
C.a.l.a.
Dant Rambo

I just checked out some other reviews, and it's pretty amazing how many bots and PR folks are padding the comments with positive endorsements. So undeserving...

Why do you think it's bots and PR folks? I can tell you that the comments I've seen are from real fans just wanting to get the word out about their feelings on the album. Just because they don't agree with your review or the comments saying "lame" or "suck" with no further thought given (RIVETING, I must say!) does not mean that they are not valid thoughts.

I loved the album and think that they HAVE grown artistically and took some risks on this album. They have tracks with no guitars, Mat put a very personal song on the album that wasn't the whole "so generic everyone can relate" type of track. Were some fans expecting something different? Sure. Is it exactly like UTNLOU? Of course not. If this band ever put out two albums that sounded the same, it wouldn't be Kill Hannah.

And as far as this album not picking up any new fans? Well I myself have found that to be a false statement. I have had a lot of friends that never could quite understand my love for this band musically. When this album came out, I shared it with each of my friends, and have gotten statements that I have finally made them fans. They like the new sound and are now looking forward to seeing shows.

Just the opinion from a non-bot, non-PR person. :P

I considered them to be bots or PR folks because I was seeing the exact same comments from the exact same people on like four different album reviews. It's great that your friends appreciate this album, but I find it to be sorely underwhelming, even with my almost nonexistent expecations. It's all a matter of taste, though.

Dante
11/02/2009
05:16PM
Age: 21
Location
Fort Bragg, CA
zbomb8

I really enjoy this album.  I believe they have gone to new heights.  I understand that KH may not be for everyone, but I have not heard another album that I enjoyed listening to as much as this one.  It's been in my cd player since September and I listen to nearly everyday.  There is a song for my every mood...and when I'm sad or angry it lifts me up.  Maybe you just need to relax, and let it play a couple times...really listen to the lyrics...get in touch with your thoughts, feelings, etc..  Maybe then you will be able to appreciate something new.

If this is the music that cheers you up and enables you to think introspectively for a while, then that's great. Personally, I couldn't quite do that. Is this really your favorite album ever? Not asking in a dickish way-- just curious.

[Rick, you're awesome]

Toniness
11/02/2009
05:29PM

I just want to ask the people leaving comments along the lines of "this is so lame" whether they've actually listened to the album.

Ok, I know it may not be the 'perfect' album, or the best album ever made. I'm not going to claim that it is. But, it is Kill Hannah's best album, and I for one, love it. I love how they've managed to mix genres but still keep that 'KH' sound. They've grown so much musically in the making of this album, and considering it was made stupidly quickly, it is brilliant.

So, please, I know you may not like Kill Hannah normally (and everyone's entitled to their own opinions), before you start saying the album's lame, listen to it.

Aaron Yarborough
11/02/2009
05:43PM
Age: 30
Location
Atascadero, CA

i havent listened to it so im not going to comment, but it is cool that this must have gotten posted somewhere and has garnered us some new visitors.  how bout tone it down a little bit considering those who did comment i know would hate this without hearing it in the first place.

Decoymusic.com (CEO/Founder)
Blue Reef Design Studios (Web Development)
http://aarontroy.tumblr.com

Dante
11/02/2009
05:54PM
Age: 21
Location
Fort Bragg, CA

To all the people coming in to defend the band, thanks for not going all up in arms and saying "this review sucks!" or anything like that. Truly appreciated.

marsacademy
11/02/2009
06:24PM
Age: 55
Location
Chicago, IL

I'm one of the site newbies, so thanks to the reviewer for making us welcome. It seems obvious that you are familiar with the band and what has come before this CD, and aren't out to score scene points by hating on the band (an idea I've never understood, personally).

I'm in the minority here, but this is my favorite Kill Hannah CD so far - but that's because I've always liked them better live than strictly on vinyl or CD. Most of their previous work was, indeed, more concept-driven - with greater or lesser success. Until There's Nothing Left of Us, I would agree, was the most accessible. I'm a relatively new fan, and I only started seriously listening to them JUST before it came out. Working backwards from that release, I enjoyed most of the material, but didn't find that it lived up to the band that I had first discovered opening for the band I was actually there to see.

Wake Up the Sleepers, on the other hand, I think better reflects who they are. Possibly being released from the "bonds" of having a concept to present has made them seem a little scattered -  it's a little of this and a little of that - but I think it gives you a better grasp of all the things they're about. I don't know a lot of fans who like all the material on this one equally - my favorite is Strobe Lights - but most folks I know have at least a couple of songs on this that they love.

My recommendation to a new fan would be to listen to this, listen to Until, but mostly - just go see Kill Hannah live. Indeed, they probably aren't for everyone, but their live show is an experience not to be missed.

dravenreborn
11/02/2009
06:43PM
Age: 42
Location
Santa Rosa, CA

I guess I would also be considered a newbie.  I fell in love with Kill Hannah in the Summer of 2006.  (and like marsacademy it was because of their live show....such energy and i had SO much fun)  On each of their albums, and even their really early EPs, I've found songs that I love and play over and over.

Wake Up the Sleepers is beautiful to me.  There is such a range of songs, NYC Speed has so much energy that I just want to DANCE every time I hear it.  Promise me is dark, bittersweet and full of emotion, when it comes on I tend to stop and listen....just beautiful.  (and it is probably my favorite on the album)  If there is a "hit" on the album, it's Why I Have My Grandma's Sad Eyes.  Not your typical hit, but it is one that fans point to and talk about probably the most.  I love this album, it brings me a lot of joy.

To all who have never experienced Kill Hannah, go see them live.  You will become believers too. 

Universe Wrap Your Arms Around Me, Make Me Strong So I Can Take On Anyone.

Dante
11/02/2009
06:56PM
Age: 21
Location
Fort Bragg, CA

You know, I keep hearing how amazing they are live. If I ever get the chance I'll go ahead and give them a shot. What site directed you all to this review, if I may?

Kill Hannah has some friendly fans. Damn.