Well, they’re back. After a long hiatus and with a new album in tow, the Gin Blossoms have resurfaced to remind everyone of the good old days. No Chocolate Cake, released last September is their latest album and it’s chocked-full of all new songs about hope and heartache.
After years of devotion to the band and its defining Tempe sound, No Chocolate Cake left me wanting much, much more. After such hits as “Hey Jealousy” and “Until I Hear It from You” back in the 90s, I was unable to find any one song on the new album to immediately embrace and fall in love with. Don’t get me wrong, No Chocolate Cake is good, retaining the original “GB” sound while adding all new experiences and life lessons, but something is definitely missing.
If one were to break it all down (maybe like me, right now) no single aspect of the band is lacking. Lead singer Robin Wilson remains steady with his moving vocals, flaunting his voice range while Scotty Johnson energetically rocks the lead guitar next to him. On backup guitar and vocals is Jesse Valenzuela with Bill Leen joining in on bass and John Richardson on drums. Time and again these men have inspired and improved, despite a few changes and setbacks, and this time I expect no different.
No Chocolate Cake does offer some new favorites like “Miss Disarray” which has received some radio play. Despite the fact that the Blossoms have been enjoying the spotlight lately, most of their songs being played on the radio still seem to be past hits, which is okay with me. My disappointment will soon fade and I’ll be looking forward to the next new Gin Blossoms as always. In the meantime, I’m sure I’ll come to embrace No Chocolate Cake while enjoying some live shows and random sightings of band members in true fan style.
