The Rakes, Bowery Ballroom, 7-05-06
By Diana P. Olano
A sure thing. Consistent. Not changing. I guess these could be taken as
compliments... or as signs that you need to change things up a bit. In
the case of The Rakes performance at Bowery Ballroom on July 5,
they're a little of both. Their consistency isn't a horrible thing,
however, as a normal Rakes gig is nothing less than a dance party.
That's right. A friggin' dance party.
The London-based band opened with crowd favorite, "22 Grand Job". Lead
singer Alan Donohoe, who doesn't dance but seizures on stage, had the
kids pumping fists, dancing, and singing along from the get-go. Not a
complete shocker for the band, as New York has always been pretty
receptive towards them, but that is one constant that everyone is
happy to keep.
Donohoe, along with guitarist Matthew Swinnerton, bassist Jamie
Hornsmith, and drummer Lasse Petersen, matched in white shirts and
excitement. You could tell these guys were honestly loving what they
were doing - another great thing to see hasn't changed. Highlights of
the set included, "Work Work Work (Pub, Club, Sleep)", "Violent", and
set closer "Strasbourg", during which I felt the Bowery's floor shake.
With the disco ball lit up during a few songs, it felt like being a
club; a club that plays great music and with a crowd that doesn't care
how or how much you shimmy.
That all said, maybe something could be different? I'm not sure what,
though. It was my third time seeing them and although it was fantastic
(per usual), it felt like the same show. They don't have much material
to borrow from, what with only having one album under their belt. They
did play a few new tunes that sounded great, but... I don't know. I'm
not complaining. Not even close to it. Maybe they need to try a new
venue? No. Forget that suggestion. Different equals bigger and I don't
want that.
Nevermind. Change isn't for everyone. Just put on your dance shoes and
go see them. Now.
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