Bret Bollinger and Kaleo Wassman from Hawaii came together in 1996 and began to form a band we now know as Pepper. After trying out some different drummers, they've stuck with Yesod Williams since the end of the '90s. It was then that they relocated to sunny California where they were opening acts for big reggae shows including Shaggy.
After some more hard work, their debut album Give'N It came out, ultimately getting the trio a spot in 2001's Warped Tour. In March of the next year, they released their second album Kona Town, which highlights their talents in the reggae, dub, and rock genres. Their song titled "Give it Up" was released as a single, and for the next two years they toured with acts like 311 and Slightly Stoopid.
It was sometime around there that I became familiar with Pepper, replaying Kona Town over and over. The island beats are great in the summertime, and my friends and I took pride in knowing that not too many others knew about this precious, hidden gem.
In With the Old, their third album, came out in March of 2004. With this newest collection of songs, Pepper continued to please while showing they can do even more than originally thought. Not only were you hearing reggae and dub, but now some heavier rock, a little 80's pop, and ska were found in their tracks.
In July of 2005, I was ecstatic to hear they were coming to town. I went with a group of friends to see them along with O.A.R. We had a really awesome time, and it still is one of the best and most fun concerts I've ever attended. The year after, in August, Pepper headlined the annual Jagermeister Music Tour with Slightly Stoopid through December 2006. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to that one. Having become a fan of Stoopid's, naturally I was upset when a couple of my friends told me all about it.
Next came No Shame, in 2006. This is their first major label album release with their most known track being "No Control". Yet, the best just might be yet to come though in July, with Pink Crustacean's and Good Vibrations set to be released on their own label Law Records. I have already gotten to hear one of their new songs that has never been heard! How, you ask? Well, because just on Monday I went to see them again. It was ridiculously more sweet than the first time I saw their show. Not only do they mix it up with old faves and new soon-to-be faves, they also connect with their audience. And it didn't hurt when they added a little Pennywise's "Bro Hymn" to get the party started. They're touring around the country through next month, not as an opener but as a HEADLINER with Red Eye Empire and Iration. Then, they'll be with Flogging Molly (!!!!!) over in Europe.
Though I do love all of their albums, I do have to say that Kona Town is still my favorite. Even once I've got it down to my favorite album, it's impossible for me to choose my favorite song. Though, for tons of fans, a favorite is "Stormtrooper", which you're likely to hear request for at a show. If you've never heard Pepper, give Kona Town a listen first. Then, I'm sure you'll want to hear the other albums, but makesure you also check out Slightly Stoopid.
(I do have some video footage from Monday, so I will update when I am able to get it on here.)
