The Rakes

The Rakes were a British indie rock band formed in London in 2003. Known for their angular guitar riffs, witty lyrics, and post-punk revival sound, they quickly gained attention with their energetic debut album, Capture/Release, in 2005. That record featured standout tracks like "Strasbourg" and "22 Grand Job," which combined sharp social commentary with danceable rhythms—hallmarks of the mid-2000s indie scene.

They followed up with Ten New Messages in 2007 and finished with their third album, Klang, in 2009. Despite critical praise and a loyal fan base, The Rakes unexpectedly disbanded later that year, citing the toll of touring. During their brief but impactful run, they helped define the sound of British indie rock in the 2000s, aligning with contemporaries like Bloc Party, Maxïmo Park, and Franz Ferdinand.