• Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: Mar 19, 2007
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. While not everything hits the mark... there's enough here at least to draw comparisons with the aforementioned Britpop mainstays and keep them among the forefront of 2007's elite.
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    This new-found worldliness comes in tandem with a noticeable musical maturity. [Apr 2007, p.118]
  3. Their songs are longer and, in a move that is bound to set some fans' teeth on edge, their brash post-punk edge has been smoothed away to a polished pop finish.
  4. Ultimately, The Rakes have softened their blunt and focused their attention to detail. This is a far more cohesive record but at the expense of the brutal urgency so prominent in their debut.
  5. With 'Ten New Messages' The Rakes have pulled off the knack of being able to deliver a series of songs that are longer and deeper but equally as memorable as the spiky missives spat on their debut.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. ChrisS.
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Every track is memorable in some way, catchy melodies and lyrics make up a far more complete album than their first effort Capture / Release.
  2. cruq
    Jun 27, 2007
    10
    This album isn't as catchy as 1st one, but it is far more mature and it has got 10 really solid songs full of irony and positive cynism. This album isn't as catchy as 1st one, but it is far more mature and it has got 10 really solid songs full of irony and positive cynism. Opening song is just stunning. And how it is possible to understand NME? They try to destroy every band that goes mature... Full Review »
  3. MarkJ.
    May 23, 2007
    4
    Their first album was fresh, raw and very catchy, the second is rock pop at its worst.