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Along the way, Pepper has sharpened its own "Kona dub-rock" sound — a blend of reggae, alternative rock, island rhythms, and punky spirit — while also building a community of fans and likeminded bands.
That communal spirit runs throughout the band's eighth studio album, Local Motion. After sharing shows for years with their heroes and peers, Pepper's three members — vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger, and drummer Yesod Williams — are no longer merely artists; they're ambassadors of a scene, bringing people together under an umbrella of positive-minded music and collaboration. Appropriately, they share the spotlight with some of their longtime friends on Local Motion, whose songs feature appearances by Stick Figure, E.N Young, Micah Brown, Iration, The Green, Tribal Seeds, and Reel Big Fish's Billy Kottage. A celebration of artistic synergy, brotherhood, and modern reggae music, Local Motion is Pepper's most collaborative record to date, shining a light not only upon the three bandmates themselves, but also upon the wide community they've helped build.
"We're part of a community of bands who have the same mindset," says Wassman. "They're our peers. They're our friends. We all exist on the same plane, and that's why we called this album Local Motion, because this is our local scene. It's where we fit in."
Before Pepper began building a community in its adopted hometown of Southern California, the group held its very first rehearsal in 1997 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. All three members were natives of the Big Island, and together, they made a sound that nodded to their tropical roots while also moving forward into new territory. After earning a local fanbase in Hawaii, they moved to the mainland, where Pepper quickly became a popular live act. Pepper's diverse music allowed the group to tour the country with a wide variety of bands, including reggae icons (The Wailers), punk bands (Pennywise), reggae-rockers (311, Slightly Stoopid), and hip-hop legends (Snoop Dogg). Meanwhile, the band's admiration for DIY-minded groups like NOFX inspired Pepper to launch its own label, LAW Records, which gave the trio complete control over its own music. It also allowed the band to sign other acts, which expanded Pepper's circle even further.
For an album that features nearly a dozen guests, Local Motion was appropriately recorded with several producers, including Stick Figure, the English Beat's Wayne Lothian, E.N Young, Henry Fong, Jinco, the Dirty Heads' Dave Foral, and Jungle Josh. Working with a range of collaborators gave Pepper a chance to experiment with new sounds. The result is an album that pays tribute to the band's past while also pushing forward — and, perhaps, hinting at what might be in store for the next 20 years. There's the brass-filled bounce of "Carnaval," the sexed-up swagger of "Sugar (808 remix)," and the summery grooves of "Warning," all wrapped into a tracklist whose songs celebrate the bright side of a life well-lived.
"When we moved to California, we were playing small clubs," remembers Bollinger, who now plays outdoor amphitheaters, indoor theaters, festivals, and other high-capacity venues with his bandmates. "We felt like we were one of the only bands carrying the flag for this genre in America. These days, it's different. We're seeing some real movement within the reggae scene. This sound has become an established part of American music, and we're grateful for the other bands who are flying the flag, too. Everything is connecting. The energy is right. Incorporating those bands into our new record was the perfect alignment of where we need to be."
"In a world of social chaos," adds Yes Williams, "we wanted a ‘return to community,' that community being the reggae-rock community. We continue to flourish and grow due to the synergy of likeminded bands and fans. Without each other, we are nothing, fom where the music comes from to where it goes. This record is filtered through the community, a true Local Motion that we are lucky enough to be a part of."
Críticas en vivo
I had some "crazy love" for the Pepper & Dirty Heads concert last night at The Warfield in San Francisco! I really enjoyed the atmosphere brought about by both bands, as they shared positive energy to the audience that captured memories for many. Their adoration for San Francisco and talented musical skill enhanced loud cheers, singing, and dancing.
I have been listening to Pepper and Dirty Heads back in the early 2000s when I was in High School, so I was really appreciative when they played some of their old songs along with their new ones. For example, Dirty Head's performance for "Stand Tall" was equally impressive as their newest song "Burn Slow. I had hoped Dirty Heads had played more of their old songs such as, "Driftin'," "Ring the Alarm," "Antelope," "Sails to the Wind," and "State of Mind," but their amazing performance enticed me to download and buy their newer albums. For example, their new songs, "Believe," and "Medusa," blew me away-- they are now songs that I intend to overplay on my iTunes. Pepper too performed, "Crazy Love," "Ashes," "Like your style," and "Stormtrooper," all classics! Pepper especially showed admiration for their old school listeners, dedicating some of these songs to the crowd.
I now have two T-shirts by both bands that I will forever treasure as a reminder of how extraordinary and lively this night was! Thank you Pepper & Dirty Heads for the awesome time!
tania-michelle
Hawaiian/Californian rock band Pepper really do bring a splash of sunshine with them whenever performing live. With their reggae tinged rock, they have been delighting audience with their live show since their formation in the late 90's.
Their set lists are now a combination of tracks lifted from all six albums yet there is a substantial amount performed from the incredibly popular 2006 LP 'No Shame'. The trio performs with a fantastic amount of energy and this keeps the audience enthusiastic and willing to participate throughout. Lead singer Kaleo Wassman asks for hands raised to the air before the introduction of fan favourite 'Higher Ground' and the crowds instantly begin to clap along with the performers.
They make the complex reggae rock sounds with ease considering the main music comes from just three musicians onstage. The crowd happily dance, cheer and sing through the sunny show and by the closing beats of 'Crazy Love' and 'Freeze' there is a real taste of Hawaiian air in the room.
sean-ward
I had second thoughts on attending this concert because I got stuck late at work. I would have missed out on an amazing concert! Pepper played great and all the other bands just added to that momentum. I received a free upgrade to third row halfway through the night which made the experience even more special(thanks Ascend Amphitheater). All in all it was a small and intimate crowd and all I saw were smiles which makes for the best time.
ryanmcknight5
Pepper put on a great show at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY. Unfortunately the venue was nearly empty as Pepper was the 2nd of 4 bands to perform and the audience hadn't shown up yet. Most people were out in the lawn while the actual seating was empty. Pepper put on a great show with lots of energy despite the lack of energy from the crowd. Can't wait for them to come back to the area.
thegergs
The last time I seen Pepper was 10 years ago in Omaha, NE. Last nights show was amazing! They played a lot of their old stuff along with a few songs off their new album. They look and sound even better. The only thing I was sad about was they didn't play with their shirts off. I will see them again when they come back to the area. I Love Pepper!
leann-baker
Pepper was better than when i saw them in Cocoa, Florida a couple years ago! They sounded great to me!
I did hear people say that the sound to the left of the stage (facing stage) was not as clear as if you sat to the right of it. I loved the show, ill go again.
angela-shroble
This was my second time seeing them. I saw them open for rebelution and sublime. Sickest performance. Would recommend everyone seeing pepper. Great vibes and great music. They're so personal and just awesome guys. I can't wait to see them for a third time.
veronica-gottilla
I have seen Pepper 6 times and every time they are kickass! The energy they bring is contagious... Thunder Valley great show can’t wait for the next! They played a ton of old and new I am still energized from the amazing show!!
jonpanish
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