When the Gin Blossoms returned from a long hiatus with 2006′s Major Lodge Victory, they partnered up with the Rembrandts Danny Wilde, who wrote several of the albums tracks. Wilde is back on board for No Chocolate Cake, this time in a more active role that finds him producing, co-writing, and playing on most of the album. Thats not meant to diminish the groups own contributions, which retain much of the spunk from the Gin Blossoms mid-90s heyday. Robin Wilsons voice is strong, and the songs have a familiar heartland hum to them, with Jessie Valenzuela and Scott Johnson filling each one with jangled guitar arpeggios and tasteful solos. These songs may not have the widespread recognition of “Hey Jealousy,” but thats not the point, since No Chocolate Cake sets its sights on maintaining the bands audience rather than reclaiming a spot in the mainstream. – Andrew Leahey
more »