heir second album brought fame to Cake, with a hit single ("The Distance") that wasn't written by the group's main songwriter John McCrea, therefore misrepresenting the band's sound. PROLONGING THE MAGIC gives listeners another chance to tune in to this California unit's distinctive sound, an arch, alt-rock concoction that fall somewhere between Pavement and They Might Be Giants. There's a hip-hop inflection to the rhythm section now and again, and the addition of trumpet keeps the production from slipping into alternative rock cliche. The tunes are all delivered with a generous dollop of sarcastic wit and Cake's collective tongue firmly in cheek. Despite the high irony quotient, there's a rollicking, light-hearted feel that keeps things sprightly and infectious.|
Rovi