Altsounds - The Rakes have announced they are to split with immediate effect.

The band who formed in 2002, came together as a foursome of childhood friends and kindred sprits and went on to release three critically acclaimed albums; the first Capture/Release in 2005, followed by Ten New Messages in 2007 and Klang (2009). Both the October UK tour and American dates are cancelled and full refunds will be given to ticket holders.

A statement from the band reads:

Quote:

"The Rakes have always been very adamant and proud of the fact that we give 100% to every gig we've ever played. If we can't give it everything then we won't do it. That was the rule we set ourselves from day one.

After much deliberation we have come to the shared conclusion that we can't give it 100% anymore and regret to announce that The Rakes are calling it a day. We are sorry to let down all the people who were coming to see us on the UK & US tours. Writing your own obituary is a surreal thing to do but we want to give particular thanks to our much-loved fans, all the great people we've worked with over the years, our management and loyal record label. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to write music together and perform around the world. Genuinely, thanks for the good times.... That was one hell of a party! But now, we really must get some sleep."

The Rakes were a spindly - framed quartet rising from the rented rooms of North London. They wrote songs unfashionably political and shot through with humour.

The Rakes inturn were chaotic, charming, sublime and ridiculous.

The Rakes were Alan Donohoe - Vocals, Matthew Swinnerton - Guitar, Jamie Hornsmith - Bass, Lasse Petersen - Drums.

The Rakes 3rd and final full length album KLANG is set for US release on ITUNES Tuesday October 27.

Produced within the four walls of a former DDR radio station in East Berlin, ‘Klang’, has been available as a UK import since March. It’s been over two years since their previous album, ‘Ten New Messages’ (2007) and The Rakes have created their freshest, most innovative album to date.
Reuniting with a fresh new perspective, The Rakes confronted the processes necessary in completing this album with careful composure. For starters, the song selection process was much more stringent and selective, with the overall sound focused around rawness and energy. “The second album was all about trying to expand the sound,” guitarist Matthew Swinnerton admits. “Working with producers like Brendan Lynch and Jim Abbiss. This one was in the opposite direction. That very, simple direct thing. Doing it in two weeks, a song a day, not embellishing things at all and just capturing ‘a performance.”

But perhaps the most captivating change for The Rakes that truly defines Klang is relocating to a fresh environment to record and produce the album in a Bauhaus designed ex-Soviet radio station in Berlin that was converted into a studio. Berlin, a scene filled with musical triumphs and countless musical rebirths allowed the band to write what they deem to be “their strongest songs to date.” "The London music scene is so dull right now - it's like wading through a swamp of shit. We just wanted to be somewhere more inspiring," said Rakes singer Alan Donohoe. "Someone suggested Berlin. It didn't take long for everyone to agree, we packed our bags and moved here just like that. We love it.” The band spent much of the year darting back and forth between their home city and this fresh, seductive new location taking the four lads on an adventure that ignited a sense of gang mentality among the band, living in an apartment on Karl Marx Allee and seeking out new thrills together in a seemingly lawless, unique environment proffered by the German capital.

Watch The Rakes live at Leeds Festival:

The Rakes on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

For anyone who wishes to send The Rakes a message you can do so HERE.