Maybe it’s best to let a “friend” or “fan” of Pepper describe what this trio does with top-quality vocals and uncluttered instrumentation. One young fellow stated that, if he wasn’t in jail he’d be at the show. (You see, he was sentenced right before the concert date.)

“2B” from To Da Max (2007) has something of a reggae beat, a hip-hop taste and a pop feel. It’s a testament to the ability of Kaleo Wasman (guitar/vocals), Bret Bollinger (bass/vocals) and Yesod Williams (drums) that it isn’t easy to categorize this latest effort.

“Give It Up” (Kona Town 2002) is from a younger band, with a little more energy and youthful lust. They do, after all, come right out and ask for it. In 2004, the group came up with In With The Old, an interesting concept, to say the least. “Ashes” is good listening. Two years later, Pepper is much more hip-hop oriented, adding complex drumming to the clean mix in “Like Your Style” (No Shame 2006). The jazz influence is evident with Williams on the skins.

These fellows are proud of the fact that they are based on the Kona coast in Hawaii. U.S. and European fans hope they don’t let the miles of ocean separate them from this quality music. Judging from their October tour calendar, this isn’t a problem.

Pepper on MySpace

[tags]pepper[/tags]

This U.K. group makes no excuses for its focus on the hardcore and “trance” genre. The growling sounds of “OK, Time For Plan B” from Take To The Skies intertwine with clear vocals from Rou (Roughton Reynolds) who also contributes the electronic sound effects that are a major part of the band’s sound. Some excellent harmonies, often with bassist Chris Batten, add an extra flavor. Then thoughts turn to youth/punk philosophy with “Sorry You’re Not A Winner,” a message song if there ever was one.

Billing themselves as “standard geezers” according to their official Web site, Enter Shakiri has been hammering the strings, the keyboards and the drums for about four years. Enter Shikari, which means “enter the hunter,” is intended to convey the band philosophy of positive aggression. The group brings this philosophy to life by considering the crowd at their concerts as a “collective fifth member” invited to mix it up, build pyramids and even invade the stage occasionally. Live shows are intended to be a release and a treat for fans (no apologies).

The band, which includes strong guitar work from Liam “Rory” Clewlow and crisp drumming from Rob Rolfe, covers Europe throughout October and November, with some dates already sold out (Glasgow, Southhampton, Norwich). A couple of extra shows have been added to accommodate the growing listener base.

Enter Shikari on MySpace

[tags]enter shikari[/tags]

This Arizona group seems to have a goal of spreading the word, which may seem an obvious vision for any and all serious performers. But when you call your album Prepare The Masses you are a bit more up front about such messages as “Weekend Warriors” and “Shoot From The Hip.”

What, then, is the message? That honesty is nothing and aggressive guitars and drums are the only answer? That chorus singing can be a strong part of rock/pop (as in “Shoot From The Hip”). Maybe it’s a mix that contains all of these ingredients. Oh, did I mention a sense of humor? Whatever the early intentions of the founders, A Change Of Pace is finding success in the kaleidoscope pop/rock/punk/alternative world.

Torry Jasper, who originally formed the band with drummer Jon Kelley in 2001, provides some passionate lead vocals that are supported by the singing of Johnny Abdullah, the group’s bassist, and the voice of guitarist Dan Parker. Adam Rogers (lead guitar) finds a way to put fuzz-powered chords into a pop-feel song like “Take Care.”

For those in the American Southwest, A Change Of Pace will be on stage October 26 and October 27 in Phoenix. The song list should include items from An Offer You Can’t Refuse (2005) and the new Prepare The Masses.

A Change of Pace on MySpace

[tags]a change of pace[/tags]

Other than the obvious label this band displays in their dress, hairstyle and body piercings, what stands out with Escape The Fate is energy – in the percussion from Robert Ortiz and the quality vocals shared by four band members.  Songs such as “Situations” and “Friends And Alibis” from Dying Is Your Latest Fashion fit well in the goth/screamo/hardcore framework.

But “The Guillotine”  really does the trick for the band’s supporters.  This tune features some dynamite guitar work by Omar Espinosa and Bryan Money, while “Cellar Door” gives Escape The Fate a bit more ballad flavor and balance.  Ronnie Radke fronts the group on vocals and Max Green, on bass, provides the second half of a solid foundation (with Ortize).

The group’s current tour kicked off in Florida and travelled up the east coast before moving on the Midwest (Ohio, Illinois, Missouri) and, in October, the west coast.  But worldwide fans felt some disappointment when Escape The Fate cancelled its participation in the Taste Of Chaos tour.  The band cited immigration and legal issues that would keep them from traveling to some of the countries on the tour schedule.  Maybe the fan messages that rave about finishing fights at the concert and walking out with a bloody nose and bruised ribs have something to do with this change.  One fan did write that she saw a band member’s penis during the show…maybe that’s it.

Whatever the reasons, fan numbers continue to grow.

Escape the Fate on MySpace

[tags]escape the fate, indie music, indie, music, independent music[/tags]

What stands out with this duo from the United States?  Well, acoustic guitar and harmonica would be a good start in answering the question.  But the shared vocals and hand-clap rhythms separate The Scene Aesthetic from comparisons to Bob Dylan or Simon and Garfunkel, or any of the more current acoustic/vocal artists.

For the uninitiated, this is pop music that is easy to listen to.  The guitar is not complex, but it is clean and serves the purpose of supporting the still-adolescent-sounding voices of Andrew de Torres and Eric Bowley. Torres provides the guitar work that ranges from rolling, single-string picking to brisk chords.

Fans, however, find something deeper in the lyrics of “Don’t Be That Note” and “The Alamo Is No Place For Dancing.”  While it’s hard to judge just how many avid The Scene Aesthetic fans there are, a number of them want to hear “Boats and Birds,” which doesn’t appear with the demos available.

Though de Torres and Bowley have been writing and singing together for more than two years, the tour dates and fan numbers increased dramatically in 2006.  Promoters have made a conscious effort to get this young duo on stage around the U.S.  The TSA CD “Building Homes From What We’ve Known” generated enough interest that fans are still making contact, hoping to catch the pair at a future show.

The Scene Aesthetic on MySpace

[tags]the scene aesthetic, indie music, indie, music, independent music[/tags]