REVIEW: Mime Game – ‘Do Your Work’

October 1st, 2013

Matthew Leimkuehler

Artist: Mime Game
Album: Do Your Work
Genre: Alternative rock
Label: Self-released

Mime Game have returned with a soothing sophomore EP that bursts with satisfying emotion through each note. Frontman Dillon DeVoe (formerly of Josephine Collective) leaves nothing to hide with Do Your Work. Each songs holds a high value of honesty and transparency to the listener, while still successfully capturing the awkwardly presented indie-punk-rock energy of Mime Game. At a fast and engaging 4 songs, Do You Work comes off as a great taste of what this band is capable of.

Do Your Work opens with the defining title track, seducing the listener with an effective passive-aggressive nature. “Do Your Work” is a subtle track, yet it resonates with the listener through the little details, such as the strong quartet added during the pre-chorus or the intricate drum fills from start to finish. The record progresses to “Murderer,” another track full of an alt-rock essence worthy of Third Eye Blind. Regardless of the somber title, “Murderer” is full of a joyful melancholy in the music, despite being on the lyrically depressing side. DeVoe sings “Murderer, you ripped my heart right out. Go-I don’t want you anymore.”

The record picks up with the highlight track, “Son.” This number is catchy and full of rhythmic energy. The track is built with a structure worthy of rock n’ roll praise. The verses contain a natural progression, the chorus ignites a fire through the shredding guitar and piercing melody, the bridge builds the song up for a perfect ending. “Son” best shows listeners what Mime Game has to offer, while still not straying too far from what dedicated fans are to expect from the band.

The record ends with “Do You,” a quirky track that jams through the simple message (spouted by DeVoe in the chorus) “I’ll do me and you do you.” Poppier than other tracks on Do Your Work, “Do You” contains cleverly placed harmonies and melodies ready to put a smile on the listener’s face.

Overall, Do Your Work is a solid sophomore effort from a band ready to separate themselves from the trenches of mediocre alternative acts.

Rating: 8.5/10

By Matthew Leimkuehler (@callinghomematt)

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