Remix collection of four songs from debut album
The latest offering from The Rakes features a selection of remixes to be released on two 12"'s, released on Monday the 9th. The four track collection features remixed versions of four of the band's favourite songs from their debut album 'Capture/Release', released last year.
The first track is 'Open Book', remixed by Uncle Buck. The relentless electronic beat of this track soon becomes repetitive; the slightly robotic delivery of the vocals supports the remixed style of the song, but doesn't make it seem very memorable.
The following song 'Binary Love (Loving Hands)', remixed by Tim Goldsworthy is a similar song, which begins with several minutes of repetitive synth-laden tedium, before the vocals kick in. Rather low in the mix under layers of electronic sound, they are less robotic sounding but the lyrics are difficult to hear. Clocking in at just eight seconds shy of eight minutes, this song has an obviously repetitive style which quickly leaves my interest evaporating.
The third song, 'We Are All Animals' is much more upbeat electronica, with vocals which begin immediately, something I was thankful for. Remixed by Statik this song retains a fixed structure for duration the song and as a result is the most appealing of the collection so far. The use of synths is well judged, giving the song a tight rhythm. The effects used on the vocals enhance the song and make it fit more easily alongside the style of the remix.
Final song '22 Grand Job' is more of an electronic disco affair. Remixed by Filthy Dukes Society this song has a decent tune but the heavily accented vocals are rather irritating and forced. Here the contribution from The Rakes is the main thing which lets the song down, and it seems 'We Are All Animals' would have been a stronger ending.
This collection should appeal to remix enthusiasts and die-hard fans, but has little to offer as recommendation to anyone else. Perhaps an easy way to release a single while the band concentrate on their next album, it seems a clearly lazy effort.