The Rakes — Capture/Release

It's really unfortunate that The Rakes' debut disc came out in 2006. Two years ago, Capture/Release would have been a fresh, invigorating post-punk tour de force. But with so many other soundalikes out there now, The Rakes' music is mostly superfluous. Saying that, they've managed to write 12 intense, in-your-face tunes that, depending on your recent reverence for post-punk, could find a permanent place in the CD player. "Retreat" is a jagged indie rocker about boring routines, while "We Are Animals" is a haunting, Franz Ferdinand-ish look at desire. It's not heavy stuff, but for the most part it's catchy and likeable. If only We Are Scientists, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, Kasabian, etc. hadn't come first.

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