Let's Go To War - Life We Live

A slightly weird start to this song is in great danger of putting you off, think, Cascada mixed with a geek friendly Nintendo theme tune.  Nevertheless, intro aside, the record caters for those Clubland fanatics, the deep and dirty bass lines ensure the Dubstep fans are listening, and last but not least, vocals not dissimilar to Basshunter may secure some chart fans.  

Despite all these areas covered, and it not sounding like a disaster, one thing everyone will agree on is the raw energy carried throughout all the songs.  This, in the main, is down to the distorted bass lines, and simple drumbeats, which are the forefront of many great dance bands.  

B side – ‘Burn Down The Disco’ is by far the best yet, some would say it relies on the edgy bass line too much.  However, I beg to differ, a good bass line is what makes many dance tracks gain popularity. The lyrics leave a lot to be desired, ‘Burn down the disco’ for a good four minutes, I’m sure would get tiresome from anyone’s point of view.  Let’s not forget the drug references though, after all they are a dance band.  ‘The Whole Cities Got A Cold’ gives you that exact drug reference; ‘Everybody’s Sniffin’, Sniffin…when she need to calm down she smokes Marijuana’.  As well as the typical drug mention, the song is more rap orientated then its predecessors, think, Snoop Dog, with a typical rap beat holding down proceedings. A wide range of lyrical content covering topical issues, for example, the credit crunch and drug culture, this band aren’t just a one trick pony.  Keep your ears peeled, as I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear from them.  

The Rakes - That's The Reason

On the main stage at Leeds Festival this year, The Rakes are already off to a good start for the summer months.  The new single ‘That’s The Reason’ out on June 1^{st [2009]} and taken from the new album Klang begins with a funky drumbeat similar to which Bloc Party’s drummer would favor. After the addictive drumbeat has had time to firmly plant itself in your memory a simple but jolly bass line is no sooner ringing in your ears.  If this isn’t an almighty hook to get you moving, the vocals (resembling Tim Smith's of Editors) and bass line create a fantastic build up into the chorus, where the song explodes into anthemic pop song.

Despite all these factors making it an undoubtedly catchy and upbeat pop song, I can’t help thinking it’s nothing that hasn’t been done before, cue Pigeon Detectives and the one liners Scouting For Girls. Nevertheless this doesn’t make them a no go.  

For any of you festival goers this year, The Rakes are a must.  Beer in hand, pouring rain and copious amounts of mud…along with some damn addictive Indie tunes.  I think so.