The Rakes - Work, Work, Work (Pub, Club, Sleep) (V2)
UK release date: 1 August 2005
The Rakes are back with the 4th single to be lifted off their forthcoming debut LP, and in the same vein as their last offering, the rather brilliant Retreat, it's another song that's based around the monotony of everyday routine. "Just drift along with no focus or meaning" despairs Alan Donohue during the chorus, in a track that covers all their usual bases - 9-5, pubbing and clubbing.
Musically, however, this differs from most of their other work given the fact it's a slightly slower number. The simple verse/chorus structure and a solid, memorable hook mark a valiant attempt to appeal to a wider audience, but however catchy it may be, merely serves as confirmation that they operate best when they're locked in 5th gear.
Here, they seem to have undergone an unnecessary lobotomy, and Donohue's shortcomings as a singer are at times cruelly exposed as a result. Not to say that it's in any way a bad song, just a little mediocre by their increasingly high standards - may I refer you to their album, out in a couple of weeks.
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