The Rakes
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 in London, England |
| Defunct | October 2009 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
The Rakes were a post-punk ensemble originating from London, England, established in 2003. Their first studio album, Capture/Release (2005), garnered widespread critical praise, including a near-perfect score of nine out of ten from NME and placement as the 13th top album that year. Drawing inspiration from groups like the Specials, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Pulp, the band concluded their activities in October 2009 after six years together.
History
Formed in 2002, The Rakes launched Capture/Release, featuring notable singles such as "22 Grand Job", "Work, Work, Work (Pub, Club, Sleep)", and "Retreat". Multiple tracks from this album entered the UK Singles Chart Top 40, while the album itself peaked at number 32 on the UK Albums Chart. The final single off this record, "All Too Human", reached number 22.
In 2005, The Rakes supported Franz Ferdinand during their You Could Have It So Much Better... tour and embarked on an extensive UK tour in early 2006. They were accompanied by supporting acts including White Rose Movement, Duels, and Klaxons. Additionally, they headlined a sold-out performance at London's Brixton Academy.
Their sophomore album, Ten New Messages (2007), was produced by Jim Abiss—renowned for his collaborations with Arctic Monkeys, Editors, and Kasabian—alongside Brendan Lynch, known for his work with Primal Scream. Recording took place at Mayfair Studios in London during late 2006.
The third studio effort, Klang (2009), was recorded in Berlin at the Karl-Marx-Allee studio, a former East German radio broadcast facility. Shortly before their scheduled UK tour in October 2009, The Rakes declared their immediate dissolution, citing their dedication to delivering performances at full capacity.
Following the band's breakup, drummer Lasse Petersen became a member of Wolf Gang, which disbanded in 2015. Lead singer Alan Donohoe pursued a solo venture named The Champagne Campaign, releasing the single "Denis and Margaret" in 2013. By 2015, Donohoe had transitioned into software development in Brighton and reflected on his music career as an intense yet ultimately restrictive chapter.
Albums
- Capture/Release (2005)
- Ten New Messages (2007)
- Klang (2009)
EPs
- Retreat (2005)