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.
[tags]pepper[/tags]
I’m glad to see that Pepper is still going. I loved their 2002 album, especially the song “Give it Up”. It was one of those songs that really gets stuck in your head. I haven’t heard much from them lately, but I hope to see them make a comeback! I am just interested to see how much they have changed recently.