Temptation is a crazy and curious feeling, but some things are just cool and decadent enough to warrant our indulgence. Over the years, the Gin Blossoms created the whimsical “no chocolate cake” rule for crew members who tried to hit on the band’s considerable female fanbase on their tours. As it’s the title of their highly anticipated 429 Records debut, No Chocolate Cake is more a playful warning. Those who dare to dig in will find that the musical desserts provided by Robin Wilson (lead vocals), Jesse Valenzuela (guitar), Bill Leen (bass) and Scott Johnson (guitar) are just as sweet, high spirited and infectious as ever.
A decade and a half since defining that era’s post grunge pop rock experience with “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You” and the Top Ten Billboard pop hits “Till I Hear It From You” and “Follow You Down”—and four years since the release of a Major Lodge Victory—an album Billboard called “an effortless triumph of melodic perfection”—Gin Blossoms are at the top of their seamless harmonic songwriting game with No Chocolate Cake.