RIYL: The Presidents of The United States of America, Ween, Cracker
John McCrea’s deadpan vocals in combination with catchy bass lines and economical but effective horn work make Cake a very unique-sounding band. When you hear a Cake song, you know it’s Cake – there is no hesitation on determining the artist. They flirt with making dance music because the songs are, well, very danceable in a fraternity kegger party way. Showroom of Compassion is the band’s latest and the first Number One (on the Billboard Album charts) of their career. It’s textured and they play with the Cake sound formula and shade it differently, but in the end they build a very solid Cake-like effort.
“Teenage Pregnancy” starts off with some earnest piano recital work before giving way to a deep bass line. Some interesting keyboard work gives off a calliope vibe to create an instrumental that’s equal alternative gem as it is circus music. That track is followed by their latest hit, “Sick of You,” which like “The Distance,” “Never There” or “Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” gets stuck in your head and absolutely won’t work its way out. It has that thump and a repetitive but fun chorus that traps you. “Easy to Crash” pushes Cake as far as they are going to go in the rocking direction, which is then followed by the country folk of “Bound Away.” Essentially, that is the beauty of the band; they weave in and out of different combinations of styles but never ever sound like anyone other than themselves. They sound familiar but never boring. “The Winter” features a supporting vocal track that is reminiscent of 10cc, while some excellent Spanish influenced brass is thrown in for good measure. The record tracks in at about 40 minutes and gives you enough. It’s satiating, but leaves you wondering what interesting tweaks and catchy song they will come up with for their next effort. (Upbeat Records 2011)
