Album Review: Cake-Showroom of Compassion

It’s been seven years since Cake released a new album, but from the opening track on Showroom of Compassion they show that they still have what it takes to make a statement.

The new album, recorded on 100% solar power, opens with their signature low end guitars, half sung lyrics and keyboard tones.  While their signature sound is there, Cake makes no jokes lyrically, with the subject matter focusing on federal bail outs on the opening track “Federal Funding.”

From there the album goes a couple of different directions.  The entire album is laid back and never too in your face.  The third track “Got to Move” focuses on a slow moving melody that constantly churns forward and is most comparatively Beatlesesque.

The album never settles into one exact sound, but never strays away from the feel of a traditional Cake album.  “What’s Now is Now” has a slightly country western guitar lead, but none of the other instruments follow that feel.

“Teenage Pregnancy” is a haunting instrumental, with the keyboards and horns taking front and center and has just as much feeling as any of the other tracks on the album.

While the third track “Got to Move” feels more like the Beatles, Cake still found a way to make a little room for the Stones.  “Sick of You” opens with a gutiar and bass riff that would have fit in well on any Rolling Stones album, mostly resembling the Rolling Stones hit “Satisfaction.”

If you’re a fan of Cake, this album won’t let you down and is probably something that you’ve been waiting for.  14 years after they broke onto the alternative music scene with Fashion Nugget, Cake proves that they still have what it takes to make an outstanding album.