The Salem-based band Symmetry/Symmetry will be releasing its first full length album, Have Cake, August 14th at the IKE Box, just a few days before leaving on a tour of the west coast.

The band was formed in 2006 by three longtime Salem friends: Daniel Jones, Joel Uram and Andrew Quackenbush (drums). About seven months ago, they added a new member, Mark Cleaver, who plays bass.

Their 2009 EP contained six Christmas-themed songs, but the band said Have Cake is a better representation of who they are, while still experimenting with their own sound.

"We're more confident in creating new things," said lead singer Daniel Jones. Some of the new album's songs are heavier with guitar while others are piano-driven.

"We were a straight-up pop/rock band and we wanted to be more quirky, more experimental and more lyrical," said Joel Uram, who plays guitar and keyboards.

Symmetry/Symmetry's alternative, soft rock atmosphere is reminiscent of the mid-90s British invasion (i.e. Radiohead, Oasis) with a modern Texas indie sound on the guitar.

"It's rock music but from a very experimental standpoint," said Uram. "We like to push the rock boundaries. As songwriters, we hold melodic ideas in high regard."

Uram said his influences include Radiohead and Anathallo. Jones likes Bjork and the whole band agrees on the Beatles.

Their music backgrounds go back to high school, where a few of them were involved in choir or band. "Danny took piano lessons and I came close to majoring in music in college," said Uram.

Although Salem-based, Symmetry/Symmetry plays in Portland venues more often than in Salem, frequenting Doug Fir Lounge (where they'll be playing the night after the IKE Box release show), Berbati's and White Eagle.

"We wish there were more places to play in Salem. We mostly play at the IKE Box," said Quackenbush.

However, Salem has greatly influenced their music.

"All the experiences that have brought us to where we are happened in Salem," said Jones. Some of these experiences are outlined in their lyrics, which focus on social issues.

"It's a pretty depressing record," said Jones. "But we're not all depressed. It's a way to ease up the weight off my shoulders, like taking a stab at yourself."

The entire band collaborates on the lyrics. "We as writers have gone through, oddly, some of the same situations," said Jones as he provided a personal insight into one of the songs: "She married someone else. I wasn't invited to the wedding, but I made her a wedding present anyways."

Jones never played her the present song. "She probably wouldn't like us anyway," he said, hinting at the album's despondency. "She [won't] know about it ... [until this article comes out]."

The record is not all melancholic, having some rays of hope throughout, including dance beats. "It's sarcastic, fun," said Jones. "You can groove out to it too."

Symmetry/Symmetry hasn't been signed yet. They self-labeled Have Cake, relying on their members' diverse backgrounds. Quackenbush, who book shows at the IKE Box, organized the upcoming tour, which includes Washington, Idaho and California. They're leaving on the 19th and they're still looking for a van.

"We're in debt ... Joel dances on the side," joked Jones.

To celebrate their album's release, Symmetry/Symmetry is inviting their

audience to have their cake and it eat too by offering free cake. They will play the whole album, from start to finish, which lasts just over an hour and contains fourteen songs.

The show will also feature the Salem-based Solar Powered (electronic music) and Portland's Jezebel Spirit (progressive rock-instrumental).

"The show will cover a wide range of emotions," said Jones.

Symmetry/Symmetry puts up an entertaining show, he added. "It gets pretty crazy sometimes. It's a pretty energetic and enthusiastic show." At times, the band members dress up in coordinated outfits. "We had some really ugly red, white and blue outfits for a 4th of July show. Someday, I'll wear a pink mini dress. I'm saving it for the right occasion," said Jones.

Their goal as a band is to be able to live off their music and for others to connect to their lyrics.

"We believe in our music. We always enjoy playing it and writing it and we want a lot of people to relate to it," said Jones.