The Rakes

The Rakes formed in London in 2003, Alan Donohoe, Matthew Swinnerton, Jamie Hornsmith, and Lasse Petersen developing a sound rooted in post-punk revival and dance punk that was immediately energetic and witty. Donohoe's vocals were sharp and distinctive, and his lyrics — observational, sardonic, and full of London detail — gave the band an intellectual edge that set them apart from many of their contemporaries.

They were signed to V2 Records and released their debut album 'Capture/Release' (2005) to strong reviews — a melodically energetic post-punk revival record that produced '22 Grand Job' and 'Work Work Work (Pub Club Sleep)' and established them as one of the most intelligent new British acts. Their combination of dance punk energy and sardonic lyrical wit made them a popular live act.

The Rakes dissolved in 2009 following two further albums. They are remembered as one of the most intelligent and enjoyable acts of the mid-2000s British indie scene — a band whose combination of post-punk energy, sardonic wit, and Donohoe's distinctive vocals made them genuinely distinctive within the post-punk revival.