The Rakes

There's some confusion over how The Rakes actually come to being. Ask them and they'll talk of a show of solidarity outside a local Weatherspoons, or of fights in the library over who was going to borrow some novel or other. Whatever, it's unlikely that the story will ever become clear. What is becoming clear however, is the fact that The Rakes are emerging as one of the most significant London bands to emerge in recent years.

The last twelve months have been a blur of incendiary live shows, and excited appraisals. There's no sign of things letting up either; the forthcoming "Retreat" draws from a sophisticated musical palette.

And while 2005 is seeing their already punishing schedule get even tougher, the strength of character within the band is such that The Rakes just seem to take things resolutely in their stride. There's Alan Donohoe: a singer and vivacious reader who draws lyrical inspiration from the most unlikely of places. Guitarist Matthew Swinnerton, whom producer du jour Paul Epworth has called 'a genius' - so effortlessly is doing all the things Bruce Gilbert was doing all those years ago in Wire, but with a modern slant. And then there's calm, collected bassist Jamie Hornsmith and maniac drummer Lasse Petersen, whose increasingly notorious on the road antics were recently described by one writer as "unprintable.

In fact, while their disparate mish-mash of personalities makes them endlessly entertaining as people, they could not be anymore serious as a musical proposition. Their chaotic performances contiue to dazzle, while their forthcoming, Epworth produced, debut album will highlight the lyrical and musical eloquence of which most other hyped London are bereft, but which The Rakes unquestionably have. Truly, their story has only just begun.

Dim Mak Releases:
"Retreat" CDEP/12"ep Street Date: October 11, 2005

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