|
Comfort Eagle Cake |
|
Didn't these guys do a tune a bunch of years ago that went something like, "She's going the distance… she's going for speed…" and then the chorus, catchy as I remember it and at the time the "new" kid on the MTV video block. Then again maybe not, but the name Cake I distinctly remember-it was dumb. They've logged some mileage in any event, "Comfort Eagle" being their fourth record overall. A blend of stylish, tuneful instrumentation minus the quirky Pop nature I previously assumed being their forte. So far a mild mix of Sugar Ray's low tide mellowness, a bit o' the Brit-styled post-Modern slant sleeved in subtlety… They're said to have this 1970's "Viking Rock" angle yet a quarter of the way through, there's nothing remotely arena-friendly about these nearly AC ditties-now till at least we're about halfway through first single "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" and its "Hey… Ho's…" backing up the verse and "Na Na Na Na's…" looping around the brass section, all the while a smooth operating guitar bit lays the marker for a slight step onto a bumpy surface. "Commissioning A Symphony In C" takes over the vibe like a bull charging the middle of the masquerade ball… Masquerade, fitting inasmuch as Cake's style is like the hands on a watch, always turning, heading for another destination only in no real hurry to get there. Again there's a relaxing tone underlying a simple bass beat, occasionally welcoming a neatly picked guitar scale and plenty of rich percussive textures, thoughtfully arranged and bow-tied in a pretty little package of premium quality calm. Ditto for quick instrumental "Arco Arena," named for their Sacramento-based sports forum, though where the commonality lies I've no idea but I like the song… "Comfort Eagle" brings the beat back into the picture and by now I'm sure this is the same band I thought of in the beginning-that voice, John McCrea, at times folksy English balladeer, others of a more emphatic nature and of the finest auctioneer quality. Latter half of the record comes to life, high tide for the latter day, giving it a little more oomph but mainly we've got a "comfortable" bed of soft-Rock and soothing waves backing a wealth of artsy blends including brass, acoustics, seventies' jive beats, funky soul and a shy production. Released by Columbia Records Review by Vinnie Apicella
[va85@columbia.edu] |