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TyronneThe Rakes: Yet to Rake it in
April 3rd 2006 18:28
If you hadn't noticed by now, I am quite the fan of British "indie rock." Everything from Bloc Party to Arctic Monkeys and anything in between (Franz Ferdinand are Scottish 
) is a bit of my fascination, and thus when I came across the Rakes in the last few days, I was more than delighted to share my newly found with the world. Their website bio (found at http://www.therakes.co.uk/) describes them as having foundations in bands such as David Bowie, Blur, The Cure and The Strokes. Considering I have never been much of a fan of Bowie, I can't back up this case, but the effect had on them by Blur, the Cure and the Strokes is definitely noticeable in their debut album, "Capture/Release." Track 5 from the album, "The Guilt" is reminiscent of the 1990s rough rock championed by Blur, mixed with "My First Punk Song" by Boxcar Racer (quite an unusual yet definitely true comparison).
The album doesn't box itself into the "indie rock" genre, as vague as the term is, but rather ventures into various musical influences while still retaining their unique musical style, an issue that many bands are increasingly struggling with these days (cough - Yellowcard - cough). Track 6 represents their foray into indie rock as aided by synthesisers in such a way that even the Bravery, who have made this musical style something to covet, would be proud. Nevertheless, their immediate comparison to Bloc Party is let down by the lack of charm that lead singer Matthew has in his voice, in comparison to Kele Okereke, whose voice can be beaten by none.
While falling short of the longlasting effect that Bloc Party had on me through thousands of listens to "Silent Alarm," The Rakes will remain an excellent British indie rock band that, through their recent touring schedule with Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand, are sure to make it big, and with good reason.
www.therakes.co.uk - Official Site
http://www.last.fm/music/The Rakes - Streaming radio of a selection their songs - no band review is complete without mention of my favourite site.
http://www.myspace.com/therakes - Streaming of non-album tracks
) is a bit of my fascination, and thus when I came across the Rakes in the last few days, I was more than delighted to share my newly found with the world. Their website bio (found at http://www.therakes.co.uk/) describes them as having foundations in bands such as David Bowie, Blur, The Cure and The Strokes. Considering I have never been much of a fan of Bowie, I can't back up this case, but the effect had on them by Blur, the Cure and the Strokes is definitely noticeable in their debut album, "Capture/Release." Track 5 from the album, "The Guilt" is reminiscent of the 1990s rough rock championed by Blur, mixed with "My First Punk Song" by Boxcar Racer (quite an unusual yet definitely true comparison).The album doesn't box itself into the "indie rock" genre, as vague as the term is, but rather ventures into various musical influences while still retaining their unique musical style, an issue that many bands are increasingly struggling with these days (cough - Yellowcard - cough). Track 6 represents their foray into indie rock as aided by synthesisers in such a way that even the Bravery, who have made this musical style something to covet, would be proud. Nevertheless, their immediate comparison to Bloc Party is let down by the lack of charm that lead singer Matthew has in his voice, in comparison to Kele Okereke, whose voice can be beaten by none.
While falling short of the longlasting effect that Bloc Party had on me through thousands of listens to "Silent Alarm," The Rakes will remain an excellent British indie rock band that, through their recent touring schedule with Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand, are sure to make it big, and with good reason.
www.therakes.co.uk - Official Site
http://www.last.fm/music/The Rakes - Streaming radio of a selection their songs - no band review is complete without mention of my favourite site.
http://www.myspace.com/therakes - Streaming of non-album tracks
Why is it that indie rockers always look nerdy?
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