The Rakes – Capture/Release

London Calls Again

With the recent British invasion in full swing, it seems almost a prerequisite for anyone with aspirations of rock stardom to hail from London. Mission accomplished in the case of The Rakes, who employ a sound starkly similar to what would happen were David Bowie and Billy Idol to have a walk-off to the musical styling of The CureCapture/Release is an impressive debut packing in eleven songs that function cohesively as a whole but also contains the explosive strength for each to be hit singles. With prominent bass and minimal, repetitive guitar riffs, The Rakes criss-cross many facets of London’s music scene – there are hints of dance, post-punk revivalism mixed with a modern 80’s twist. Unlike other British punk bands, such as The Subways or the former Libertines, there is a cleaner, less gritty sound at work on this album.

Slice of life lyrics dealing with the banality of work and middle-class trivialities are the focus of the disc and are displayed on such songs as “22 Grand Job,” and “Work Work Work (Pub, Club, Sleep).” Tracks like “Violent,” and “Terror!” are morose in their depiction of anxiety concerning world affairs and being moneyless. “We are All Animals” furthers the diatribe of the human condition when singer Alan Donohoe belts out, “We like to think we’re at a special place/that stars revolve around the human race/but we’re just mammals, just, primates.”

Capture/Release is a well-mixed debut showcasing intelligent lyrics and stylish riffs. Despite the pressure of hailing from the birthplace of some of the greatest rock bands of all time, The Rakes prove they will be a force to be reckoned with.