Introducing Layer Cake! The Australian band has recently released their self-titled debut album, blending indie, folk, and a touch of commercial pop to craft a sonically captivating record that demands attention. What sets Layer Cake apart from most contemporary indie rock bands is the timeless and intricate quality that resonates throughout their recordings. With layered guitars and vocal harmonies, Layer Cake offers a sophisticated sound to capture both rock and pop. Rock the Pigeon is excited to introduce listeners to the incredible sound of Layer Cake!
”We are a mates first music second band and it’s really been like that for a long time. It’s been a really great journey on the music side and despite having played together for over 5 years, we still feel like we are really only at the cusp of the music we want to make.” – Layer Cake
The song’s first half gently soothes, creating a comforting atmosphere, before transitioning into a more alternative vibe. The drums grow heavier, and the vocal delivery takes on a rhythmic edge, repeating hooks that lodge themselves firmly in your mind. “All To Bed” is an undeniable anthem and a perfect introduction to Layer Cake’s overall sound. Now that you’ve been pulled into fandom, let’s play the rest of the record.
“Tomorrow’s Happiness” continues the folk-rock spirit with warm acoustic guitars and a timeless charm. Stylistically, it bridges eras, feeling at home alongside classics like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Simon & Garfunkel, while also resonating with more recent acts like Good Old War and Mumford & Sons. The track delivers yet another irresistible vocal melody, inviting listeners to fall head over heels with Layer Cake’s highly developed sound, while its busy lead guitar parts and lively drum groove inject vibrant energy. Hints of ’70s psychedelic rock weave through the song, creating a nostalgic yet fresh vibe that transitions seamlessly into the next song, “Stay on Top.” This track offers another captivating melody, bright electric guitar riffs, and a similarly psychedelic undertone, further cementing the band’s dynamic and evolving sound. “Stay on Top” explodes in sound by the end. It would be an excellent song to perform at a sold out stadium. Hopefully, the band gets there. They definitely have the sound and talent to do so.
“Baby Baby” shifts the record to a more top 40 pop sound. The bright synth drives the track, giving the song a commercial flair. Drums and vocals come in, maintaining a poppy rhythm. This bouncy track is all about falling in love with someone quickly and the excitement and fear that comes along with that feeling. Just before the two-minute mark, the band lets their instrumentation soar, before falling into a catchy bridge section.
“Ask You Nicely” captures the spirit of being young and in love. This is a song that bridges Layer Cake’s more commercial sound with their folk rock sound. It helps make the record make more sense genre-wise. This song is mostly guitar driven but features an awesome gang vocal section that crowds will love to sing along to. The flow of the record might feel even smoother if “Baby Baby” followed “Ask You Nicely” instead of the other way around. However, the song “Help” flows very well out of “Ask You Nicely.” This song has two lead vocalists (Ellie and Hoags), their voices blend in a really satisfying way. “Help” stands out because the guitars sound like they are played for surf rock. It also lyrically stands out because it has a strong message about struggling with mental health and doing one of the hardest things ever – asking for help. This song encourages those who are struggling to ask for help and not be ashamed of it.
“Our favourite song on the album to record was Help as it came together over the course of 5 years. We finally locked down the bridge and it was the first time it felt complete. The bridge is so important lyrically for the song as it is the part the opens up hope in what can feel like a song about struggle in stages. It’s also a key song where Ellie and Hoags sing in unison.”
– Layer Cake
“Lost & Found” is another love ballad. The vocal performance is absolutely breathtaking. Listeners will hear the romance in the singers voices because of their convincing performance. This is a beautiful-laid back song that truly captures the spirit of falling in love. The next song shows the other side of the coin. “Hurting” is about when one party realizes that the relationship is no longer moving in a positive direction. This song captures the feeling of being lost and depressed over the realization. Aside from the super catchy vocals, my personal favorite part of this song is the rock n’ roll guitar solo that bursts through the track. The distorted guitars hit the speakers hard, giving the listeners an extra taste of emotion. “Loved You” is the perfect song to follow “Hurting” because it recaps the relationship from start to end. The lyrics are about not ever expecting to say goodbye, thinking it would last forever, and realizing how deep the love was. The catchy phrase is sung over and over, “Oh, how I loved you.” Every time it is sung, the emotion gets stronger and stronger, proving how strong and true the love was.
The story changes with “Happy” – a song that is all about overcoming anxiety and living freely as yourself. This is a new feeling for the character in the song, as they can still remember what it felt like before overcoming anxiety. Now, there is an initial excitement that comes along with the new way of life. This song has a beautiful string section that compliments the vocal harmonies quite nicely.
Following “Happy” is “Miss You.” This song has some of the most catchy instrumentation on the whole record. Bright guitar stabs drive the track. The busy drums add a feel-good rhythm for the listener to settle in to. The vocals are soothing but very catchy, singing in playful melodies that beg to be sung along with. The song builds in intensity and explodes during the chorus.
The final track on the record is “Painted in Blue.” This song introduces the piano as the front and center instrument in the production. The ballad-style vocals deliver a soul-stirring melody, paired with heartfelt lyrics that delve into the struggles of mental health, leaving a powerful and lasting impression.
Follow Layer Cake on Instagram now: https://www.instagram.com/thelayercakeband/
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