Love you madly: A retrospective on rock rebels Cake
Cake will play Asheville Aug. 8. File photo
In the vast annals of American rock music, alternative rock act Cake remains a beacon of eccentricity — this sonic love letter to quirky individuality and creative freedom. It’s a unique blend of rock, country and funk, the sum of which swirling around the spoken-word prose of lead singer John McCrea.
“We still exist probably because we’ve always stayed outside of current trends, watched them inflate and deflate,” McCrea said. “We’ve never been invited to the party, so we’ve never had to leave the party when the police arrived. It’s a sad and beautiful world.”
Bubbling up from Sacramento, California in 1991, the ensemble garnered an immediate buzz within the underground scene, eventually heading west via Interstate 80 towards San Francisco. Its signature brand of “country funk” evolved and found its own identity, especially through the trumpet of Vince DiFiore — a powerful tone that has become the band’s calling card.
“It takes strong songwriting, a consistent work ethic, an ability to adapt and a recognizable sound to survive,” DiFiore said. “Of the greatest importance is a band that has strong individualism, plus a strong recognition of the need to cooperate.”
Its debut album, “Motorcade of Generosity” (1994), introduced audiences to Cake’s unconventional sound. But, it was the subsequent album, “Fashion Nugget” (1996), that catapulted the outfit into the mainstream airwaves. Cake blew industry doors open with its hit single “The Distance,” which was also accompanied by an unusual rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 hit number “I Will Survive.”
Suddenly, Cake found themselves thrust into the limelight, its off-the-beaten-path approach to rock music resonating with audiences hungry for something fresh and different in the late 1990s and beyond.
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With the 1998 release of “Prolonging the Magic” (“Never There,” “Sheep Go To Heaven”) and 2001’s “Comfort Eagle” (“Short Skirt/Long Jacket”), Cake secured its place among iconic rock acts of the era — a position it has held onto with great pride and strength, all while pressing ahead into the next phase of its fascinating, albeit wild and wondrous, journey.
Yet, aside from its success, Cake retains a particular indifference, always sidestepping the trapdoors of success in the name of artistic integrity. Simply put, Cake lets its catalog of cherished tunes stand on its own, an eternal ode to the band’s purposely stubborn refusal to fall in sync with industry standards.
“If it’s a hit, great, but who can predict what the world will like?” said former bassist Gabe Nelson. “It’s all about competing against yourself.”
As time marches on, Cake has continued to defy expectations. Albums like “Pressure Chief” (2004) and “Showroom of Compassion” (2011) pushed the group’s sonic boundaries further, its eclectic musical palette ever-expanding. In recent years, there’s been ongoing conversations within the band to release new material.
Regardless, Cake has remained true to its roots, delivering a trademark blend of wit and irreverence with every note — this crossroads of keen intellect and intrinsic sensibilities, subtle sarcasm and immense swagger.
Now entering its fourth decade together, Cake’s melodies remain as relevant and refreshing as ever — a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision and creative intent. In a world obsessed with conformity, Cake is a stoic reminder that being a little bit weird and off-center is just you being honest and true to yourself.
“I don’t think hits matter. Hits are chewed on like gum and then tossed aside,” Nelson said. “I think a song that moves the emotions or provokes a new thought is what is important. Finding a way to optimize the song, to present it or arrange it in the best possible way, that is the goal.”
Want to go?
Idiosyncratic alt-rock group Cake will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at Rabbit Rabbit in Asheville.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59.50 per person. The show is all ages. Rain or shine.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to rabbitrabbitavl.com.
AVLfest returns to WNC
Amid all of the incredible live music permeating throughout Western North Carolina the summer, the second annual AVLfest will be returning Aug. 1-4 in Asheville.
Of the biggest arts and culture stories for WNC last year came the inaugural AVLfest. Overtaking dozens of venues around Asheville, hundreds of bands were featured throughout the gathering. To which, the event itself was a resounding success, onstage and in the audience.
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters will play AVLfest. File photo
If you were there, you already know how incredible it was. If you’re just hearing about AVLfest, make sure to put it on your calendar to attend. If live music is your thing, this will be one of the most fun and invigorating events all year in WNC.
Presenting more than 300 acts, the core focus of the festival is to put the spotlight on the countless talented groups bubbling up from (and roaming around) our own backyard.
As well, Smoky Mountain News Arts & Entertainment Editor Garret K. Woodward will be hosting a handful of live Q&A panels with AVLfest artists throughout the weekend at Citizen Vinyl. Dubbed “Liner Notes,” the series of discussions will feature local, regional and national acts in intimate conversations in front of a live audience, who will also be allowed to ask questions directly to the artists.
For more information, a full schedule of performances and/or to purchase tickets, go to avlfest.com.
