As Cake puts the finishing touches on its third album in a studio in the band's hometown of Sacramento, California, recently departed guitarist Greg Brown has begun working up material for an upcoming record with his new band, Misty.

Even though the last two years have been a financial boon for the band, whose 1996 album, "Fashion Nugget," was certified platinum and spawned two hits, "The Distance" and a cover of the Gloria Gaynor song, "I Will Survive," the success has apparently taken its toll on the band.

Bassist Victor Damiani left Cake last May and was subsequently replaced by the band's original bassist, Gabe Nelson. The month after the split with Damiani, the group canceled a U.S. tour because of the fatigued condition of singer and guitarist John McCrea (see [article id="1426847"]"Cake Bags Tour After Frontman's Illness"[/article]). Brown parted from the band earlier this year.

Cake's new, as-yet-untitled album is due to arrive in stores this fall.