It is a wonder that three such diverse solo musicians can come together so strangely well. Francicso, a mostly self-taught flamenco guitarist, is not held down by the conventions of time signatures, regular chord progressions, or a particular style, both in his writing and in his playing. Zoltan, an electric guitarist schooled in jazz improvisation as well as classical styles, provides groovy bebop melodies as well as the soaring solos of a true virtuoso. Keith, a self-taught percussionist, draws influence from tribal music, techno, rock, and Latin music and offers interesting beats to the group's already eclectic arrangements.
As far as writing goes, the Rakes site such varied influences as the Gipsy Kings, John Coltrane, the Blue Man Group, Cafe Tacuba, Scott Joplin, Tool, and the Mega Man video game series. Their styles range from ranchera to Cuban to punk to disco to salsa to Gypsy to hip hop to flamenco, sometimes within a single song. The result is a more intellectual breed of what they call, "Psycho Latin Jazz," or, "Gypsy-flamenco-rock," music that is difficult to dance to but is technically fascinating. Their songwriting arrangements feature meticulous rhythm, key, and tempo changes, as well as expert interplay between all the instruments, producing a strong sense of musical camaraderie despite the seeming dissimilarity of the artists. This is especially evident in the Rakes' high-energy live performances, which can include table dancing, running gags, impromptu rap and surf songs, and choreography. Even without these visual elements, the Rakes' music and energy is enough to whip even the most tepid audience into a clapping, screeching army.
The Rakes of Mallow have played in the New Mexico Showcase two years in a row (2002 and 2003) alongside groups such as Concepto Tambor, Nosotros, and Civitas, and have had songs featured on each of those Showcase's compilation CDs. They have been seen in the downtown Albuquerque area, performing with such acts as Weldon, Fast Heart Mart, and Atomic Love Medicine, at venues including Burt's Tiki Lounge, Atomic Cantina, and the Launchpad.