A somewhat atypical indie outfit by any standard, The Rank Deluxe share as much of an affinity with old school UK punk or grime as they do with any of their more immediately apparent musical contemporaries. Often playing in or amongst the crowd, live shows are frenetic, full of youthful exuberance, occasionally divisive, but always fun. Informed by reggae, ska, punk, and rock and roll, The Rank Deluxe's sound is vibrant, pop savvy and uncompromising. Varying in style from cathartic pop to stabby, dub rhythms, lyrically the band align themselves with the social commentary of UK-based artists such as The Specials, Gang Of Four, or even Ian Dury. The band's name is taken from a glamour model's comment, overheard entering a strip club above the band's old rehearsal space. "This place is so rank deluxe" she said; apparently meaning the height of scum. Drawn to the multiple implications, they took the phrase as their own. Four 20-something's from South East London, Lew and Rich grew up on the same estate in Thamesmead, South East London, and the band's current line up formed early in 2005. The band refer to their music as "a sonic picture of council estate youth", but what so often can seem little more than empty posturing is backed up by a strong sense of identity, and an aptitude and commitment that is beyond their short lifespan.
