The Rapture (band)

The Rapture
Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1998
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Products	Music albums, singles, EPs

The Rapture is a rock ensemble originating from New York City, established in 1998. The founding members were Luke Jenner (vocals and guitar), Vito Roccoforte (drums and percussion), and Gabriel Andruzzi (keyboards, bass, saxophone). Between 1999 and 2009, the group’s definitive lineup expanded to include Mattie Safer on bass, who also shared lead vocal duties with Jenner; their harmonized choruses became a distinctive hallmark of their sound.

The band is known for merging styles such as dance-punk, post-punk, acid house, disco, and electronica. They played a pivotal role in the early 2000s dance-punk resurgence by combining post-punk with electronic dance music influences. Additionally, their lyrics often reflect Christian themes.

Their initial release was the mini-album Mirror, which debuted in January 1999 through Gravity Records. By 2001, they had signed with Sub Pop and released the EP Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks. The single "House of Jealous Lovers" came out in 2002 under DFA Records; after being reissued, it climbed to number 27 on the UK Singles Chart in 2003 and received widespread critical praise. That same year saw the release of their first full album, Echoes. Their sophomore album, Pieces of the People We Love (2006), was distributed via Universal and Vertigo Records and featured production by Danger Mouse, Paul Epworth, and Ewan Pearson.

In 2008, the band took a short hiatus following Jenner’s temporary exit but regrouped after his return eight months later. Mattie Safer departed permanently in 2009. Returning to DFA Records, The Rapture released their third studio album, In the Grace of Your Love, in September 2011—marking their first new record in five years. Though they disbanded around 2014 without an official statement, the group reunited in 2019 without Safer. In 2025, they announced a reunion tour featuring only Jenner from the original members.

Formation, Mirror and Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks (1998–2002)

The Rapture was formed in 1998 by drummer Vito Roccoforte and guitarist/vocalist Luke Jenner. Childhood friends from a suburb near San Diego, they moved to San Francisco to pursue music more earnestly. Initially aspiring to be a filmmaker, Roccoforte took up drumming at Jenner’s encouragement. That same year saw the release of their debut single "The Chair That Squeaks" on Hymnal Sound. After extensive touring, they unveiled their first mini-album, Mirror, through Gravity Records in 1999.

Following an incident where their bassist’s home was set ablaze by drug dealers, the band briefly relocated to Seattle in search of better industry connections but remained mostly inactive during early 1999. During this time, they secured a contract with Sub Pop.

After releasing Mirror, the group moved to New York City and lived out of a van provided by their label. In 1999, Mattie Safer joined as bassist and vocalist while studying jazz at NYU; he had encountered the band during a 1998 tour. His arrival preceded the release of their six-track EP Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks on Sub Pop in 2001. Jenner credits Safer with bringing greater musical cohesion and enhancing the band’s overall sound.

Jenner’s exposure to New York’s dance scene influenced their musical direction significantly. In a 2011 reflection, he highlighted how experiencing dance clubs revealed an energy and collective spirit similar to punk rock, which shaped their evolving style.

"House of Jealous Lovers" and Echoes (2002–06)

Supported by the DFA production team, The Rapture launched "House of Jealous Lovers" in 2002, which was soon followed by their debut album Echoes. This album generated two singles that reached the UK Top 40 and received widespread critical praise, including being named Album of the Year by Pitchfork and securing a runner-up position in NME’s rankings. After recording, multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Andruzzi, cousin of Mattie Safer, joined the band full-time to aid with touring commitments. Riding the wave of "House of Jealous Lovers"’ success, The Rapture opened for the Sex Pistols during their UK shows and became the focus of a significant bidding war, eventually signing with Universal Music’s Vertigo Records in the UK and Strummer Records. In 2004, they toured alongside Franz Ferdinand on the NME Awards Tour and appeared at the Curiosa Festival, sharing the stage with Interpol, Mogwai, and The Cure. Additionally, the song "Echoes" was selected as the opening theme for the British television series Misfits.

Pieces of the People We Love (2006–11)

The Rapture’s sophomore album, Pieces of the People We Love, was released in September 2006 under Universal Motown after Strummer Records ceased operations. The production team included Paul Epworth, Ewan Pearson, and Danger Mouse, with most sessions held at New York City’s Sear Sound studio and some recorded in Los Angeles. Cee Lo Green contributed backing vocals on the title track. In 2007, The Rapture supported Daft Punk on a North American tour that featured notable venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Greek Theatre.

Luke Jenner disclosed that Justin Timberlake initially recorded vocals for "No Sex For Ben," a track created for the 2008 Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack; however, Timberlake’s parts were removed by his label. Despite this, the song became a major hit, particularly in Australia, where it helped maintain the band's popularity for several years. Drummer Vito Roccoforte later expressed dissatisfaction with the artistic direction of this track.

In 2008, Jenner took a brief hiatus from the group due to personal circumstances but rejoined after a few months. On July 14, 2009, Gabriel Andruzzi announced that Mattie Safer had left earlier that year; the remaining members continued developing new material in Brooklyn. The separation was reportedly amicable. After departing, Safer spent over a year creating new music and briefly signed with Paul Epworth’s Wolf Tone label before independently releasing his EP All We Are in 2016. He also appeared on Australian producer Beni’s debut album released in 2011. That same year marked The Rapture’s appearance on the cover of The FADER magazine’s 75th issue.

In the Grace of Your Love and split (2011–14)

The Rapture unveiled In The Grace of Your Love through DFA Records on September 6, 2011, in the United States and a day earlier in Europe; Modular Records managed distribution across Australia and New Zealand. The album was produced by Philippe Zdar (known for his work with Phoenix and Cassius) and recorded in studios located in Brooklyn and Paris.

In 2014, Red Bull Music Academy announced Atomic Bomb! The Music of William Onyeabor—a tribute concert led by David Byrne—which featured Luke Jenner, described as "ex-The Rapture." Around this time, DFA Records manager Jonathan Galkin hinted at a possible band dissolution with his remark: "Did the Rapture Break Up and Not Tell Anyone?" Later that year, Jenner clarified that while no formal breakup had occurred, unresolved tensions persisted within the group. He stressed that preserving personal relationships was essential before considering future collaborative projects.

Reflecting on their final tour before disbanding during their 2019 reunion announcement, Gabriel Andruzzi noted that although live performances were strong and audiences supportive, internal conflicts were apparent. He referred to a "deep schism" with frontman Jenner regarding how to communicate their breakup amid mixed feelings—describing it as a difficult yet creatively charged period for the band.

Post-split activity (2014–18)

In June 2014, Vito Roccoforte and Gabriel Andruzzi launched their first EP as the duo Vito & Druzzi, titled Moon Temple. This project later evolved into Andruzzi's solo endeavor, resulting in the 2016 releases of Moon Temple I and Moon Temple II. Additionally, the pair collaborated under the name Mother of Mars, issuing the single "Seed 2 Sky" in 2018.

Following his involvement with Atomic Bomb! The Music of William Onyeabor, Luke Jenner acquired production skills from Joakim Bouaziz and contributed guest vocals to Bouaziz's 2014 album Tropics of Love. In 2015, Roccoforte partnered with DJ/producer Benjamin "Bosq" Woods from Whiskey Barons to create Body Music, which debuted with the EP Just One in 2017.

By 2017, Jenner affirmed his continued affiliation with The Rapture, indicating that the band's future hinged on Roccoforte's participation. That same year, Jenner introduced his solo project Meditation Tunnel, named after a children's toy and inspired by DJ Tennis’s request to avoid using Jenner’s own name. This project produced the Sunrise EP.

In 2018, Jenner also established Seedy Films alongside three friends who were newcomers to music but possessed refined taste. He took on a mentorship role and served as the drummer, focusing on imparting technical knowledge while nurturing their inherent musical sensibilities.

Early in 2018, Andruzzi expressed a hopeful outlook regarding The Rapture's prospects but noted that no definitive plans were underway. Meanwhile, Roccoforte performed with Wah Together—a rock ensemble featuring Steve Schiltz (Longwave), Phil Mossman (LCD Soundsystem), and Jaiko Suzuki—with their tracks premiering on BBC Radio 1 in September 2018. Furthermore, Roccoforte reunited with Safer as Poolside’s live rhythm section, earning commendations from co-founder Jeffrey Paradise for their influential synergy and significant contribution to the band's sound.

Reunion (2019–2021)

In February 2019, Jenner announced via Facebook that The Rapture would be reforming, scheduling their comeback performance at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on April 30. This was followed by an appearance at Long Beach’s Just Like Heaven festival on May 4, sharing the lineup with acts such as Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and MGMT.

Jenner elaborated on the decision to reunite after a five-year hiatus:

Roccoforte and Andruzzi confirmed their involvement through social media channels. Harris Klahr also rejoined to handle bass responsibilities following Safer's exit. Safer clarified that he was not invited to participate in the reunion, expressing enthusiasm about revisiting those songs but focusing instead on his current band Safer and his label Cell Laboratories.

Since their planned 2020 reunion concerts were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Rapture has remained on indefinite hiatus. Members have since engaged in individual pursuits: Jenner transitioned into a professional life coaching career and by 2023 had ceased recording music or maintaining communication with fellow band members. Meanwhile, Roccoforte and Andruzzi released I Hear, the debut album from Mother of Mars featuring vocalist Jaiko Suzuki, on March 5, 2021.

Second reunion (2025–present)

On July 8, 2025, a second reunion was announced along with plans for a US and European tour commencing in September of that year. This iteration of The Rapture excludes Roccoforte and Andruzzi; their roles are filled by Sam Bey of The Parlor Mob on drums and Conor Kenahan on bass.

In popular culture

The track "Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks" was featured in the film version of Bret Easton Ellis' The Rules of Attraction.
"Echoes" serves as the opening theme for E4's Misfits and is also included in the movie Superbad.
The song "The Devil" appears in the episode "Rocket Club" of the television series Aliens in America.
“Killing” was part of the soundtrack for the 2005 video game True Crime: New York City.
"Whoo! Alright, Yeah…Uh Huh" acts as the official anthem for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer and was featured under the title "W.A.Y.U.H" in EA Sports' Madden 2007.
"The Sound" was used both in a 2007 episode of CSI and in the video game Need for Speed: ProStreet.
"No Sex for Ben" was included on The Music of Grand Theft Auto IV, ranked 26th on Rolling Stone's list of 100 Best Songs of 2008, appeared in the season three premiere of Gossip Girl, and enjoyed significant popularity in Australia.
The song "How Deep Is Your Love?" featured in the 2012 British teen drama series Skins.
"House of Jealous Lovers" appeared in the video game NBA 2K15, as well as in the British TV show This Is Going to Hurt and Showtime's series Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber.
"Pieces of the People We Love" is used to open episode 3 ("Catch A Ride") of the game series Tales from the Borderlands.

Members

Current members

Luke Jenner – vocals, guitar

Touring musicians

Conor Kenahan – bass
Sam Bey – drums

Past members

Brooks Bonstin – bass guitar
Christopher Relyea – keyboards
Mattie Safer – vocals, bass guitar
Vito Roccoforte – drums
Gabriel Andruzzi – keyboards, saxophone, percussion, bass guitar
Harris Klahr – bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboards

Discography

Studio albums

External links