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Dreamcake is the first album by the Halifax, Nova Scotia, band Jale.[2][3][4] It was released in 1994 on Sub Pop Records.[5][6]

Dreamcake
Studio album by Jale
Released	12 July 1994
Genre	alternative rock
Label	Sub Pop[1]
Producer	Brad Wood[2]

The only Jale album with the singer-songwriter-drummer Alyson McLeod, the songs on Dreamcake are considered^{[by whom?]} edgier and more emotional than those of Jale's later work.

The closing track, "Promise", written by Jennifer Pierce and Patrick Pentland, and sung by Pierce, was released as a single.

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[7]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[8]

The Chicago Reader wrote that the album "displays a precocious craft that lifts [Jale] well above one-trick-pony status."[9] Exclaim! called Dreamcake one of the ten best Canadian-made Sub Pop records, writing that "hypnotic Halifax pop swirls between the speakers on 'Again,' while 'Mend' threads together elements of jangling twee and paisley-print psychedelia."[10] The Chicago Tribune wrote that "with a bit less aggression than Hole and less cutesy-ness than Shonen Knife, [Jale] incorporate just enough guitar noise to counterbalance all those delightful pop hooks."[11]

Trouser Press wrote: "A diverse collection of contemporary electric indie-pop styles (some audibly influenced by Sloan) from a palette of appealing melodies, gentle harmony singing and buzzing guitar power, the casual-sounding record articulates the longings and frustrations of mindful young women who know when to draw the line and walk away from a bad scene."[12]

Track listing

All tracks by Jale

1. "Not Happy" – 2:54
2. "Nebulous" – 2:53
3. "3 Days" – 3:26
4. "To Be Your Friend" – 2:30
5. "Again" – 3:21
6. "River" – 3:28
7. "I'm Sorry" – 2:15
8. "Mend" – 2:10
9. "The Unseen Guest" – 2:29
10. "Love Letter" – 3:21
11. "Emma" – 2:41
12. "Promise (Jimmybeane Majestic Version)" – 4:34

Personnel

• Jennifer Pierce – guitar
• Alyson MacLeod – drums
• Laura Stein – bass guitar
• Eve Hartling – guitar

References

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