Tom Lynch

London four-piece The Rakes modernizes classic Brit pop-punk with an artful, celebratory edge in "Capture/Release," a near-flawless effort. The strength of songs "Strasbourg" and "Retreat" make the band instantly exhilarating--the cheerful snottiness of leader Alan Donohoe finds the right tone on not only these two songs, but on every track. The machine-gun frenzy of each track makes the album blitz by, requiring two listens, back to back and, curiously, nothing gets old. The slower pieces of "Capture/Release" are where The Rakes slightly falter--you want the energy to be on ten all the time. But even "Binary Love," the new-wave ballad of sorts set in the middle of the record, has a genius melodic hook and strange, inventive drumming, at least for the type of song it is. Surprising, easy and with a swift punch, "Capture/Release" makes The Rakes a band to keep an eye on.

The Rakes play July 10 at Double Door, 1572 North Milwaukee, (773)489-3160, at 9pm. $10-$12. (2006-06-30)

Also by Tom Lynch

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