OK, first music review in a while (well, first anything in a while). I’ll just dive right in.

I’ve been listening to Capture/Release, the first album by British indie band The Rakes. They just released their sophomore album, Ten New Messages. I’m gonna have to check that out.

So what does it sound like? It’s a little like Franz Ferdinand, but it’s different and less mainstream in a lot of ways. The singer, Alan Donohoe’s voice is distinctively British, thicker than something like Coldplay, but not strong to the point you can’t understand him. The subject of their lyrics range from hangovers to a robot’s feelings on love, though they are never overly dramatic or emotional.

In fact, most of the music is rarely complex or emotional. But the overall simplicity of the music makes it addictive.  Simple guitar riffs like those found in Terror! and 22 Grand Job get stuck in your head.  This is not to say the album is bland or unoriginal. It’s a diverse album that has a unique flavor. Personally, I like the flavor.  Others may not, though it’s generally agreeable music, not much dissonance or acquired tastes.

Through their lyrics you can tell the band is a unique group of guys.  Their Wikipedia article states the following about their personal taste:

• Coke > Pepsi
• Radiohead > Muse
• Drinking loads of booze and reading books > Connect 4, Risk, Monopoly, Guess Who? and Chess

If you’re looking for some good British indie rock, give The Rakes a try. Even if you’re not, I would still recommend them. 10.3/13 clams.