It’s been 7 years since Sacramento band, Cake, released their last album, Pressure Chief. Nonetheless, Cake proves with their newest album, Showroom of Compassion, their sound is permanent, sincere and won’t be changing anytime soon. Showroom mixes the psychedelic with the traditional and raises the bar for albums to come in 2011.

 

To be honest, when I first heard Cake was releasing a new album I kept my hopes low just in case the result was something less than stellar. With that said, Showroom of Compassion was literally a pleasant surprise. The opening track, “Federal Funding,” has a sort of Austin Powers, psychedelic ‘60s groove to it. As with most of their music the track is also chocked full of political and social commentary, and in true Cake style they turn it into a kick-ass tune that overrides the intensity of the lyrics. The vocals mixed with the melody of “Long Time” are reminiscent of a Beatles track morphed into a much more modern and funky song. If for nothing else, the album is worth a listen for these two tracks.

 

“Teenage Pregnancy,” a slow and somewhat monotonous instrumental track is wedged directly into the middle of the lot. It’s an intermission of sorts on the album. Comprised of mostly electric keyboard and drums, its melody is catchy and lulls you into a melancholy state right before you’re gradually brought back to life by “Sick of You.” None of these tracks feel forced in any way. Without a doubt, the layout of these tracks was well thought out and artists everywhere could learn a lesson from this set. 

 

The amazing thing about Cake is their ability to put together songs that are predominantly pessimistic, but still leave their fans dancing. Each track they make has a lightheartedness about it that keeps fans returning no matter how long it takes the band to release a new album. For those who actually listen to the words, their lyrics tend to express the sort of sentiments that people have every day but for one reason or another aren’t always able to vocalize—the epitome of what music should do. 

 

If you’re looking for the old Cake you enjoyed back in the ‘90s, you’ll find it. Showroom of Compassion’s sound encompasses all the group did before it and more. Every now and again you come across a band that won’t bow to corporate numbers and sincerely understands the importance of making an album when its time comes, not when they’re told to; Cake is definitely one of those bands. A | Jennifer Manjarez

 

RIYL: Beck, Ben Folds, Weezer