The Rakes have announced yesterday that they have split up, effective immediately. The band formed in 2002 and went on to release three critically acclaimed albums; Capture, followed by Ten New Messages and the new album Klang. Both the October UK tour and American dates are canceled and full refunds will be given to ticket holders.

The Rakes commented on their website about the break-up:

”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

I’m gonna miss them loads that’s for sure.
RIP THE RAKES.
XX

Meanwhile, Free Energy commented on the news since they were suppose to play with the Rakes:

We are sad to announce that the tour that Free Energy had planned on starting with the Rakes next week has been canceled. The simple reason is that the Rakes broke up. We’re bummed that we won’t be able to come out West in November, but a new country-wide tour is in the works for the early part of the new year, so it won’t be long. Luckily, we have been able to hold on to the Boston date (which will now be a Free Energy show) and keep in the dates from Dallas-Philly in late November. There is a new NYC date announced as well below.

To sum it up:

The following dates (with the Rakes) have been canceled:

10/31: Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy*
11/01: San Francisco, CA @ Slims*
11/03: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Urban Lounge*
11/04: Denver, CO @ The Bluebird*
11/06: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock*
11/07: Chicago, IL @ Double Door*
11/09: Toronto, ON @ Mod Club*
11/10: Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus*
11/12: New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom*

The new Free Energy touring tinerary looks like this:

FREE ENERGY TOUR DATES:

10/24: London, UK @ Cargo (DFA Night)
10/26: London, UK @ Barfly
10/27: London, UK @ Rough Trade Records (Hoxton) In-Store
(Early Show)/Waterats (Late Show)
10/28: London, UK @ Windmill
11/11: Boston, MA @ Great Scott
11/19: Dallas, TX @ The Cavern
11/20: Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
11/21: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
11/22: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
11/23: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/24: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
11/25: Washington, DC @ DC9, set TBA
11/27: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/28: New York, NY @ Santos Party House