The Rakes – Klang!

In some ways it is hard to see why The Rakes would want to leave London and their normal recording studios to make this album. After all their first two albums Capture/Release and Ten New Messages were both critically acclaimed. Also this album is not too dissimilar to it’s predecessors as The Rakes are always brutally honest towards making their music it is not a surprise Klang! has a similar sound to it.

It is a very punchy and in your face album vocally and lyrically however the riffs and beats are very complimentary of one another and extremely well constructed. This overall creates a jolty edge to the music as you’re never quite sure where it’s going to go next. Surprises are thrown in like the use of a piano in The Woes Of The Working Women and also in Mullers Ratchet. Whilst the use of the piano is very noticeable, it is not overdone and could easily be passable as a song by any band with a pianist and not by a London based indie-rock band which is made clear by the lyrics.

They are quite shocking in places, none more so than in the opening song You’re In It. You can’t go past the 8 words in this album before bad language is used but it is subtly hidden in verses and, whilst it makes a point, you never feel they are being overly rude whereas many bands do it just because they can.

You’re In It begins an overall upbeat album, many punchy and bouncy songs along the way however unlike other their previous albums there is a very prominent darker side to a few of the songs. The Loneliness Of The Outdoor Smoker, Bitchin’ In The Kitchen and The Final Hill being the most notable for it’s use of deeper vocals and slightly darker lyrics. However these are by no means depressing as there is still a fast paced track underneath meaning live performances are always going to be frantic and lively whatever song they play.

This is further confirmed by all the upbeat songs having a catchy chorus, occasionally easy to sing along to and even chanting on The Woes Of The Working Women and 1989, the first single to be taken from the album, would make for good crowd participation.

High points – However good this album may be it is hard to find one stand out highlight from it but personally The Light From Your Mac was the most alternate on the album and really stood out. It is a more simple song compared to the rest with the same riffs all the way through. It is a lot slower than the other songs but arguably one of the best, building up gradually for a chorus but then retracting to the slower verses. It may be a slower song but the riff is memorable and sticks with you after listening whilst also showing a melancholy side to the album which is a hard contrast to carry out but one that is done impeccably.

Low Points – There is no specific low point about this album, all songs are solid and well put together however there is nothing that particularly stands out about the album. It is a very good album but there isn’t anything on it that can particularly make it a great album and no stand out single despite the release of 1989, which means this album will not give The Rakes the mainstream status they deserve.

Overall – A very good album which is well worth a listen if you get the chance and has also been well received by critics. If you don’t take my word for it, go out any buy it.

Liam Spencer

Guitar Break Rating:

Visit the official site of The Rakes:
www.therakes.co.uk