The Rakes have split up after five years and three albums together.

The London band won over legions of fans when they emerged in 2005 with their first album 'Capture/Release'.

Subsequent albums, 'Ten New Messages' and 'Klang', were met with largely critical indifference and failed to sell as well as their debut - 'Klang' didn't even break the top 100 in the UK charts.

Following the split, the band's tours of both the UK and USA thoughout the autumn have been cancelled.

Fans can claim full refunds for their tickets from the point of purchase.

(by David Renshaw)