>>How did you start out making music for a living?
When we signed a record deal - before then it was regular dull old jobs.
>> What inspired your latest album?
A lot of the songs were written with our live shows in mind but then we wanted to turn them into a more listenable, studio type album. Lots of different music has inspired us and other things too, like philosophy or Grolsch.
>>What process do you go through in creating an album?
Write the tune, (through various methods), record a rough track, record drums proper, record bass proper, record the guitar proper, record vocals and have a drink.
>>Which artists influence your work?
Various - erm, in no particular order - a bit of Bowie, Radiohead, Dizzee Rascal, The Strokes, The Others, Dexys Midnight Runners, Leonard Cohen, Leroy Parks, The Specials.
>>What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Bring some tissues.
>>What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
That it gets in the top 20 and that normal, non-muso types get into it. Bo!
The Rakes play T on the Fringe at the Liquid Rooms tonight at 7pm
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EDINBURGH REVIEW: Prodigy at T on the Fringe on 5 Aug
I have waited a long time for the opportunity to experience the Prodigy live and I wasn't disappointed. One of the main things I love about them is their ability to unite everyone from punks to frazzled ravers, in a mass hysteria of dancing. Although their core sound has changed from early techno to the dirtier, rockier, sleazy guitar style found on the most recent album, they are just amazing live. Keith Flint and Maxim Reality have so much stage presence and charisma that when they say jump - everyone jumps. A blistering performance that included an even mix of new tracks, the classic anthems and their most commercially successful hits Breathe and Firestarter. My ears are still ringing. HKS tw rating: 5/5
EDINBURGH REVIEW: Editors at T On The Fringe on 6 Aug
If you were one of the lucky ones who managed to squeeze into the tightly packed space, then you should be thankful you saw them in such an intimate setting - soon they'll be playing much larger venues for sure. Editors are a rockier version of Franz Ferdinand, who seem to be everyone's band of the moment, but with storming performances of singles 'Bullets' and 'Blood' in between previews of brand new tracks no one can dispute their talent. Their sound is instantly recognisable and with songs this catchy, it's no surprise last night's concert sold out quickly. They're destined for big things...so catch them while you can. SSM tw rating: 4/5
EDINBURGH REVIEW: Guy Pratt - My Bass and Other Animals
By Pratt's own account, and Paul McCartney agrees, nobody wants to play the bass, and it's certainly not the way to get the chicks - not this chick, anyway. If you like the idea of being invited up to the bass player's room to hear him play you a few riffs and regale you with tales from the tours with Pink Floyd and Madonna then this is the show for you. But that's all you're getting. Pratt is nice enough and presumably if you're interested in 80s music or what kind of catering you get at a German Rock Festival, you'll probably find him funny or entertaining. I choose the words of Peggy Lee RIP - Is that all there is? EM
Smirnoff Underbelly, 4 - 28 Aug (not 15 or 22), 5:50pm (6:45pm), Prices vary, fpp 102 tw rating: 2/5
EDINBURGH REVIEW: Flamenco Con Fusion - Ricardo Garcia y la Familia Flamenca
Mesmerising flamenco that transports you to the heart of Spain. The spirit and dedication of the four performers, each with a unique talent, shine as a collective throughout. The captivating flamenco dancer, Ray Bowlay, provides a sensual opening, with engaging silhouettes, introducing the beauty of flamenco. Ricardo Garcia enchants the audience with his intricate skill on guitar, evoking many different emotions. The melange of traditional flamenco music and dance is intersected with refreshing urban moves from the promising dancer, Nico Major. The intimate venue was ideal, as it brings the audience and the performers together as one, which is an altogether rare and special experience. This harmonious fusion of the guitar and the dancers is a fringe treasure. JTB
C, 3 - 29 Aug (not 16), 7:15pm (8:15pm), £9.50 (£8.50/£6.50), fpp 69 tw rating: 4/5