Cultus Black

Born in 1998 by New Yorkers Vito Roccoforte and Luke Jenner, The Rapture were soon making a name for themselves as pioneers of the new millennium's post-punk revival. Soon after forming, The Rapture embarked on a heavy touring schedule before issuing their debut mini-album “Mirror” in 1999. Released on Gravity Records the record was supported by more extensive touring alongside the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate and Nuzzle. Featuring an alternating cast of bassists, it wasn’t until 2001 with the arrival of Washington D.C.’s Matt Safer, that The Rapture lineup was cemented.

The band subsequently inked a deal with the revered independent label Sup Pop, who issued the band’s six-track EP “Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks” in May 2001. The record was produced by James Murphy and Tim Goldsworthy and generated a significant amount of exposure for the group, especially in New York. Working alongside Murphy and Goldsworthy again, known as the DFA production team, The Rapture released their debut full-length album “Echoes”, in September 2003. Earning widespread critical acclaim, the album was voted Pitchfork’s Best Album of 2003 and peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Heatseekers Chart, aided by the single “House of Jealous Lovers”.

The record subsequently earned a rerelease where it enjoyed success in the UK, rising to No. 32 on the UK Albums Chart and spawning the charting singles “House of Jealous Lovers”, “Love Is All”, and “Sister Saviour”. Following the release The Rapture embarked on another relentless tour, for which they were becoming known; opening for the Sex Pistols and touring alongside Franz Ferdinand.

The band’s sophomore full-length, “Pieces of People We Love”, arrived in September 2006 following a move to Universal Motown Records. Produced by Paul Epworth, Ewan Pearson, and Danger Mouse, the record earned rave reviews and topped the Billboard Heatseekers chart. In support of the album The Rapture toured with Daft Punk on their North American tour, before setting-off on their own international headlining tour. Following a significant wait, in which time bassist Safer left the group, the band released their third full-length album, “In the Grace of Your Love”, in September 2011. Once again earning warm reviews, the record charted at No. 53 on the Australian Albums Chart promoted by the single “How Deep Is Your Love”.