This one feels like its been a long time coming. And, I guess, it has. The debut full-length from Asbury Park's GayGuy / StraightGuy, Shut Your Mouth and Eat Your Cake, consists of 8 tracks spanning about four years. About half of the record consists of what singer / guitarist Nick Cucci calls his "interpretation of how the US government would talk to us if it were a human being." Think of George W. Bush saying to the nation in 2006, "I encourage you all to go shopping more." The rest of the songs on Shut Your Mouth and Eat Your Cake are less political, more inward looking, even positive. Everything is loud.
"Eat Your Cake" starts with a shuffling riff before drummer Bob Paulos thrusts us headlong into the chorus, Cucci's guitar now fierce and aggressive as he sings, "Serves us right. We're the walking blind." "Sinking Ship" and "Everything Is Perfect" are thematically linked with "Eat Your Cake," the latter a continuation of the idea of being able to turn a blind eye to the problems of the world as long as you're comfortable. Like a lot of 1990s rock, each song blends hard rock with some more classic elements like blues.
"Nashville" appeared on GayGay / StraightGuy's 2012 3 Songs EP, and the re-recorded version here is absolutely huge. The song's heavy, bluesy delivery is a contrast with its overall positivity as it calls people to experience a live show, "get some life," "come alive."
"Movement," written on a scenic drive from Phoenix to San Diego, is airy, almost ambient. After that little interlude, though, it's right back into the fray with the stomping "Side to Side," the metal-influenced "Reduce and Rebuild," and relentless closer, "Surf Puck."
Pat Noon recorded Shut Your Mouth and Eat Your Cake at EightSixteen Studios. Paul Ritchie mixed everything at Insidious Sound, and Alan Douches of West West Side handled the mastering.
As a guitar / drum duo, GayGuy / StraightGuy will hear comparisons to acts like The Black Keys or White Stripes; and there's definitely a strain of bluesiness that runs through some of the songs. It would be a mistake to pigeonhole the sound of Shut Your Mouth and Eat Your Cake, though. The songs took shape as GayGuy / StraightGuy evolved; and the collection reflects a multitude of genres and influences from blues, to metal, to classic rock, to grunge, to whatever. Cucci and Paulos play off of each other extremely well and really explore the sonic limits of what just two people can do.
Shut Your Mouth and Eat Your Cake is available for download at GayGuy / StraightGuy's Bandcamp page. In The Clouds Records is also offering a special lathe-cut vinyl version of the album with a die-cut cover.
You can catch GayGuy / StraightGuy live and pick up a record this Thursday at House of Independents when they celebrate the release of Shut Your Mouth and Eat Your Cake. The show takes place on 5/5, marks the 5th anniversary of In The Clouds Records, consists of 5 bands, and costs $5. That's five 5s. Or 5x5 for Buffy fans... .
..but I digress...
The show. The other bands on the bill. In addition to GayGuy / StraightGuy, Thursday's bill is packed to the gills and includes The Battery Electric, The Black Clouds, Dentist, and Yawn Mower. Doors are at 7:30pm, and I hear the evening will be full of surprises. You can RSVP at this link.
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