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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.”
Ho
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take a step which way to go with no permission from a hoe
And a limp with no diseases, my back seats got remedies
I'll be part of history, with 15 books on my story
And be a swift like Roddigan, equipped with the best selection
Wondering what you use, slipping off the booze cruise
And your focus turns to blur, when you set your eyes on her
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away, oh
I will try to meet you by the old highway, oh
And if it's now I'm down to slack, with the sun shown across my back
And I comforted to know that you're backstage at my show
And I
Why am I so short of your attention?
Having this discussion downtown, oh
No obligation, it's a real hard emotion
Now that your gone, I'm moving right along
As I
Run down the road still viewing sluts, bowcats
These hoe's are trying to fool me
No promises you get the one time slam
Seductive sexy capers in the Hilton tram
With this abuse of napkins X amount of Heineken
Waking up's so hard to do when I'm lying next to you
So I'm knockin' at your door, complicates the night before
She said the joke is on me, I said the joke is on her
Mary oh Mary, still so quite contrary
How could you ever know
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away, oh
I will try to meet you by the old highway, oh
And if it's now I'm down to slack, with the sun shown across my back
And I comforted to know that you're backstage at my show
And I
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away
The song Ho's by Pepper is a summation of the artist's experiences with promiscuity and the pursuit of fleeting flings. The first few verses touch on the theme of soliciting, which is the artist's one real crime. The lyrics are metaphorical in their description of the female characters as hoes and exude a seedy, underground vibe with references to cars, back seats, and diseases. The artist is emboldened by his promiscuity and boasts about being part of history with 15 books chronicling the stories of his exploits. He wants to be a record breaker with a poetic ability to describe his encounters.
The chorus of the song speaks to the artist's obsession with a particular woman who he watches as she walks away. He yearns to meet her on the old highway and shares that he would be at ease knowing she is backstage at his show, suggesting a level of celebrity status. The second verse touches on the theme of alcohol abuse with the artist wondering what the object of his desire is using to get him off the "booze cruise." He describes a sense of tunnel vision and focuses on how his gaze blurs when he sets his eyes on her. The lyrics suggest he is obsessively fixated on his desires, which are a form of escapism for him.
The third verse takes a dark turn, suggesting the artist has woken up next to several women, including the one he has an obsession with. The lyrics suggest a cycle of heartbreak as he seeks affection from these women but ultimately feels dissatisfied with the outcome of his desires. The final repetition of the chorus speaks to the artist's wishful thinking and his inability to let go of his fixation. The song is an honest portrayal of the downfalls of promiscuity and the emptiness it can bring.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been waiting all this time, soliciting is my one crime
I have waited patiently for a long time, but the only offense I am guilty of is asking repeatedly for something.
Take a step which way to go with no permission from a hoe
I can make decisions without anyone else's approval, especially not from a woman willing to engage in promiscuous behavior.
And a limp with no diseases, my back seats got remedies
My sexual performance may not be perfect, but I have various solutions to ensure satisfaction for both partners in the back seat of my car.
I'll be part of history, with 15 books on my story
My life is going to be so exceptional that it will be documented in 15 books, and I will go down in history as a legend.
And be a swift like Roddigan, equipped with the best selection
I aspire to be as skilled as Roddigan, who possesses an excellent collection of music and can mix it flawlessly.
Wondering what you use, slipping off the booze cruise
I am curious about what you use to attract women and whether or not you rely on alcohol to do so.
And your focus turns to blur, when you set your eyes on her
Your attention becomes unfocused when you look at her, indicating that you are attracted to her.
As I turn away when she looks at me
I try to avoid eye contact when she looks at me because I am not interested in her.
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away, oh
I desire to watch you leave and feel longing as you depart.
I will try to meet you by the old highway, oh
I will attempt to rendezvous with you at a particular location.
And if it's now I'm down to slack, with the sun shown across my back
I am relaxed and carefree when the sun is shining on my back.
And I comforted to know that you're backstage at my show
I feel reassured and at ease knowing that you are backstage at my performance.
Why am I so short of your attention?
I am perplexed by your lack of interest or attention towards me.
Having this discussion downtown, oh
We are currently having a conversation in a busy urban area.
No obligation, it's a real hard emotion
There is no sense of duty or responsibility, but it is difficult to control my emotions.
Now that your gone, I'm moving right along
Since you have departed, I am progressing forward with my life.
Run down the road still viewing sluts, bowcats
I am still searching for promiscuous women along the road.
These hoe's are trying to fool me
These women who engage in promiscuity are attempting to deceive or trick me.
No promises you get the one time slam
I make no guarantees that you will not be a one-time encounter.
Seductive sexy capers in the Hilton tram
There are enticing and naughty things happening on the hotel's tram.
With this abuse of napkins X amount of Heineken
I have consumed X amount of Heineken beer, and I have used napkins inappropriately.
Waking up's so hard to do when I'm lying next to you
It is challenging to wake up when you are next to me.
So I'm knockin' at your door, complicates the night before
I am seeking entrance to your room, which may make things more complicated than they were before.
She said the joke is on me, I said the joke is on her
She claims that I am the target of a joke, but I state that the joke is really on her.
Mary oh Mary, still so quite contrary
Addressing a woman named Mary who is still difficult to deal with.
How could you ever know
It is impossible for you to understand or comprehend.
And I'm a wanting watching you walk away
I am feeling desire and longing as I watch you depart.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind