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Kaleo Wassman – Vocals/Guitar
Bret Bollinger – Vocals/Bass
Yesod Williams – Drums
“It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done as a band to make this record,” says guitarist/vocalist Kaleo Wassman of Pepper, in speaking on the recording process of their new self-titled album. “It speaks loudly and widely to a broader audience while maintaining everything good about the band, which, first of all, is our positive attitude.” After releasing five albums, Pepper has opened a new chapter in their storied career. Drummer Yesod Williams adds, “This record feels very cohesive in a way our past releases maybe didn’t. I think it’s an album that can appeal to everyone, as well. We’ve been pigeonholed in the past so this is an opportunity to transcend all that and spread our wings even wider.”
The trio, who formed in 1997 and moved to the mainland from their hometown of Kailua Kona, Hawaii in 1999, pressed pause after the release of their fifth album, Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations, in 2008. There was a sense of fatigue and disunity amongst the three musicians, who took some time off from music both apart and together before rejoining to create an EP, Stiches, in late 2010. The songs on that release re-energized the group, revealing an urgent desire to make a new album that reflected where they are in their lives and career now. After some tour dates in support of the EP, Pepper sat down and focused on their sixth album, a self-titled released that swings open the door on this new chapter.
The musicians went into the studio with Matt Wallace, a producer known for his work with Maroon 5, O.A.R. and Faith No More, in early 2012. Matt helped focus the group’s vision and expand their musical knowledge base, an experience the band members compare to being in their own version of college. The album was recorded in various studios over the course of a year, honing in on Pepper’s re-defined self-identity and how that focus was reflected in the songs.
“We learned so much,” Yesod says. “Matt help us really focus on the art of songwriting. He sat in the room with the three of us with a fine-tooth comb and went over every word, every melody, every sound. He showed us that it’s important what you do play as well as what you don’t play, creating both spaces in the songs. We learned how powerful simplicity can be. Plus, we had such a good time recording this album and I think that shows.”
The resulting album, self-titled to accentuate where the band feels they are presently, broadens Pepper’s style, veering into new sonic territory while still retaining all the fun elements that make the band so beloved by their fans. The ever-present sense of life surges through the tracks, bolstering the sense of optimism throughout. The party anthems, the beach hang melodies, and the boisterous rhythms are all there, each song carefully crafted to best express these sunny moments by the ocean.
“This album is basically 12 snapshots of where we are,” vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger says. “There are songs that will remind you of your favorite Pepper songs, but by the end you’ll hear some unexpected things. You’ll realize that the songwriting is so much more refined. And there’s laughter in the background of the songs. That’s how good the vibe is on the record.”
Pepper has toured extensively with groups like 311, Slightly Stoopid, Flogging Molly and Sublime With Rome, and spent several summers on Warped Tour – and this live sensibility shows. You can almost feel the sand in your toes and the sun on your back as the album progresses, the musician’s amiable personalities palpable beneath the island rhythms and mellow tones. The band’s music – both live and on their releases – is really about enjoying life and being grateful for each experience, a sensibility that’s very familiar to the three musicians currently in their career. From their 1999 debut Give’n It to their 2006 standout album No Shame, which was recorded with 311’s Nick Hexum, No Doubt’s Tony Kanal and Butthole Surfers’ Paul Leary, Pepper has embodied not only a style of music but a lifestyle, one that’s most easily found on beaches across the world, but also one that’s relatable to anyone anywhere.
Released via their own label LAW Records, their universal appeal has led their music being placed in various movies and TV shows, including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Good Luck Chuck, as well as several video game soundtracks. The band’s story to date has been a prolific one. But as Pepper turns the page into a fresh chapter with this new album, it’s clear that the band’s passion for music and life will continue on for years to come.
“We’re so blessed to be in this position,” Kaleo says. “We want to do the best we can with it. We had humble beginnings in our small town in Hawaii and we’re still that same humble band. We don’t take any of this lightly. Every day I wake up and think about how I have the best job in the world. The level of gratitude and happiness I have that we’re able to do this is incredible and I hope people can hear that when they listen to our new songs.”
Bring Me Along
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Today, today, today
And I, I, I, I, I wanna feel how you feeling tonight
Alright, alright
So take away from your face all the make up
I wanna see you
And when you try to measure my respect, girl
So take away from your hand on the coffee cup
I need you to believe
That's it's coming in like the water's moving
I want you always
Bring me along, take me anywhere
Bring me along, along
Bring me along, take me anywhere
Bring me along, along
And I, I, I, I pull the white sheets from off my face
Ooh, I love your ways, your ways, your ways
And I, I, I, I, I want you to hear what I have to say
Today, today, today
So wipe the morning from your eyes, little angel
I wanna see you
Though sometimes you try to push yourself away from me
I hope that's something that you never do
Take away from your hand on the coffee cup
I need you to believe
That's it's coming in like the water's moving
I want you always
Bring me along, take me anywhere
Bring me along, along
Bring me along, take me anywhere
Bring me along, along
You, with you, with you
Bring me along, take me anywhere
Bring me along
Bring me along, take me anywhere
Bring me along
You, with you, with you, with you
Bring me along
The lyrics of "Bring Me Along" by Pepper speak of a desire for deeper emotional connection in a relationship. The singer wants to know why their partner behaves in a certain way and wants to understand their feelings. The song is an appeal for honesty and authenticity in the relationship. The repeated refrain of "Bring me along" suggests that the singer wants to be a part of their partner's life, to be included in their joys and sorrows. The lyrics are an expression of vulnerability, as the singer admits to their own emotional needs and expresses a desire to be seen and heard by their partner.
The first verse begins with the singer expressing a desire to know why their partner behaves in a certain way. The repeated "I, I, I" emphasises the singer's own vulnerability and need for understanding. They want to "feel how you're feeling tonight" and to connect with their partner on a deeper emotional level. The second verse continues this theme of openness and honesty, with the singer asking their partner to wipe the morning from their eyes and to see them for who they truly are. The use of the metaphor of the "little angel" conveys a sense of tenderness and affection towards their partner.
Overall, "Bring Me Along" is a song about the desire for deeper emotional connection and honesty in a romantic relationship. The repetition of the refrain "Bring me along" emphasises the singer's desire to be included in their partner's life and to share in their experiences, both good and bad. The lyrics speak to the universal human need for emotional connection and understanding in our relationships with others.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I, I, I wanna know why you act this way Today, today, today
I am curious to know why you are behaving the way you are today and want to find out more.
And I, I, I, I, I wanna feel how you feeling tonight Alright, alright
I am interested in sensing and experiencing the emotions that you are going through tonight.
So take away from your face all the make-up I wanna see you And when you try to measure my respect, girl You can't use a ruler anyway
You do not need makeup to look beautiful to me. You cannot determine my level of respect for you through any measurement because it is beyond that.
So take away from your hand on the coffee cup I need you to believe That's it's coming in like the water's moving I want you always
Take a break and spend time with me instead, trust that our relationship will continue to grow like the flow of water, no matter where we are.
And I, I, I, I pull the white sheets from off my face Ooh, I love your ways, your ways, your ways And I, I, I, I, I want you to hear what I have to say Today, today, today
I am removing the white sheets from my face and confessing that I love your unique personality and want to share my thoughts with you today.
So wipe the morning from your eyes, little angel I wanna see you Though sometimes you try to push yourself away from me I hope that's something that you never do
Clear your eyes of sleep, my dear, so that I can see you. Even if you sometimes hesitate in our relationship, I pray that you will never completely give up on us.
You, with you, with you
I am fond of being with you, just the way you are.
Bring me along, take me anywhere Bring me along, along Bring me along, take me anywhere Bring me along, along
Please take me anywhere, I want to be with you wherever and experience life together.
You, with you, with you, with you Bring me along
I would like to accompany you wherever you go because being with you is all that matters to me.
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, MUSHROOM MUSIC PTY LTD, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEE OWEN ARMSTRONG, JOHN BOURKE, SAMUEL MULLALY, JEREMY SONNENBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind