The Rakes are a band that can on your nerves, but in a good way. Their third album Klang never lets go - a rollercoaster ride set to music - sounding like Television having relocated to London and developing a sense of humor, writing about The Loneliness Of The Outdoor Smoker.
Most songs, Mullers Rachet in particular, have the signature hard-hitting British post-punk beat. Stand-out tracks The Woes Of The Working Woman and That's The Reason might well have had The Cure and Joy Division as the proud though slightly bewildered musical parents.
The Rakes:
Alan Donohoe: vocals
Matthew Swinnerton: guitar, vocals
Jamie Hornsmith: bass
Lasse Petersen: drums
Klang is released on V2 International.
Tracks:
- You're In It
- That's The Reason
- The Loneliness Of The Outdoor Smoker
- Bitchin' In The Kitchen
- The Woes Of The Working Woman
- 1989
- Shackleton
- The Light From Your Mac
- Mullers Rachet
- The Final Hill
MP3: The Rakes - That's The Reason
Video: The Rakes - 1989
Update (10/23). The Rakes have split up on the eve of an American tour:
The Rakes have always been very adamant and proud of the fact that we give 100% to every gig we've ever played. If we can't give it everything then we won't do it. That was the rule we set ourselves from day one.
After much deliberation we have come to the shared conclusion that we can't give it 100% anymore and regret to announce that The Rakes are calling it a day. We are sorry to let down all the people who were coming to see us on the UK & US tours. Writing your own obituary is a surreal thing to do but we want to give particular thanks to our much-loved fans, all the great people we've worked with over the years, our management and loyal record label. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to write music together and perform around the world. Genuinely, thanks for the good times.... That was one hell of a party! But now, we really must get some sleep.
» therakes.co.uk
» myspace.com/therakes