A slice of Cake seven years in the making

With a sound of jazz and light techno, the rough voice of John McCrea — mixed with trumpets, guitars, drums and a piano — creates a distinct rhythm that defines Cake even when they venture out into new techniques.

With 11 songs, including “Federal Funding,” “Mustache Man (Wasted)”  and “Teenage Pregnancy,” most of “Showroom of Compassion” is great. But in some instances, the name of the song was better than the sound.

This is the band’s first album since “Pressure Chief” in 2004, and it has some changes that may pleasantly surprise fans. In addition to the acoustic piano, the group tried reverb with success, but the somber sounds they tried to capture felt long and drawn out. In comparison to great songs such as “No Phone” and “Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” this collection of tunes just isn’t as memorable.

It’s been seven years for Cake, and while the high expectations may not have been reached, this CD is still worth a listen.