They released their third and final album Klang in 2009 which included the singles 1989 and That's the Reason.
In October 2009, The Rakes announced that the band was to split with immediate effect: "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".
Their style can be described as "lo-fi" indie and is vaguely reminiscent of early Joy Division with some catchy guitar riffs and intelligent and humorous lyrics.
Singer Alan Donahoe has a project called Champagne Campaign and drummer Lasse Peterson went on to join Wolf Gang.
Down With Moonlight
The Rakes Lyrics
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Raised the search lights to the roost
The clear forms(?), hums of hearts
Beat of a beat no further proof
It's not safe in your 4x4
Something dark is out there on the loose
Put up your windows and doors
Somebody better call the cavalry
The terror is approaching rapidly
First they make
Then it goes to show you're all alone
You don't see me now, but I see you
I see through your
The walls you built can't keep me out
I'll destroy, fair at you
It's not safe in your 4x4
Something dark is out there on the loose
Pull up your doors now we know there was no
Walking past the river at twilight
Dirty water flowing past the towers
Sun k
___
Say we never had it so good
You're the killer to be the juror
Ghost is going to be a solo
And it was...
I seeks
Quarter of this
... can't see
Free to let the dark...
The Rakes's song "Down With Moonlight" is a haunting and eerie tune that is sure to give anyone shivers down their spine. The lyrics tell the story of a dangerous situation where something unknown is on the loose and people must be cautious of their surroundings. The song examines themes of paranoia, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed by the unknown. The opening verse, "Down with moonlight and the stars, raised the search lights to the roost" sets the scene for a spooky and unsettling vibe.
The next lines of the song, "The clear forms(?), hums of hearts, beat of a beat no further proof" suggest that the singer is picking up on the signs of danger and can hear the sound of something ominous approaching. The chorus continues the theme of caution and heightened alertness, with the lyrics "It's not safe in your 4x4, something dark is out there on the loose, put up your windows and doors, now we know that there was use".
The bridge of the song takes a more personal approach with the lyrics "You don't see me now, but I see you, I see through your walls you built can't keep me out, I'll destroy, fair at you", perhaps suggesting that the singer feels unseen and unheard in this dangerous situation. The song ends in a chaotic and fragmented manner, with the repetition of "free to let the dark..." suggesting a feeling of being lost and overwhelmed.
Line by Line Meaning
Down with moonlight and the stars
Reject the romanticized view of nighttime and the celestial bodies.
Raised the search lights to the roost
Shine lights into the dark corners to expose hidden danger.
The clear forms(?), hums of hearts
The true nature of things, emotions and desires can be sensed intuitively.
Beat of a beat no further proof
One's innermost self is the ultimate authority.
It's not safe in your 4x4
Feeling of vulnerability and weakness.
Something dark is out there on the loose
Sensing lurking danger which cannot be quantified.
Put up your windows and doors
Retreating to the familiar comforts and self-imposed limitations of one's own home.
Now we know that there was use
Confirmation that one's precautions were justified.
Somebody better call the cavalry
A call for outside help to handle the impending danger.
The terror is approaching rapidly
The danger is imminent and unavoidable.
First they make
The danger's origin unknown and inexplicable.
Then it goes to show you're all alone
Realization that the danger is a personal struggle, and no one can help you face it.
You don't see me now, but I see you
The lurking danger is aware of one's presence and weakness.
I see through your
The danger can discern the facade one presents to the world.
The walls you built can't keep me out
The limitations and boundaries one has built for oneself are insufficient to withstand the danger.
I'll destroy, fair at you
The danger will attack, without prejudice or mercy.
Walking past the river at twilight
A peaceful, scenic moment in time.
Dirty water flowing past the towers
The pollution and ugliness that exist hidden behind the facade of civilization.
Sun k
The momentary beauty and respite is short-lived.
Say we never had it so good
Nostalgia and longing for a previous, idealized time.
You're the killer to be the juror
One's own actions are under scrutiny.
Ghost is going to be a solo
One will be isolated and solitary, haunted by one's own past.
And it was...
The final, ominous conclusion of this story is left unsaid.
I seeks
The artist is trying to find oneself or escape from oneself.
Quarter of this
Only a small part of oneself is within one's control and awareness.
... can't see
One is blind to aspects of oneself and the surrounding world.
Free to let the dark...
Acknowledgement that darkness and danger exist within, and allowing oneself to embrace and confront them.
Contributed by Callie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.