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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.”
Old Time Problem
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm tied up with inebriation
Naughty girl, leave me alone
It's a moonshine love
I'm so jealous that I cut my hand off
Broken glass is in my veins
And when I should have left you alone
Well, now you got me on the floor
You're like an old time, old time problem
And when I should have left you alone
Well, now you got me on the floor
Now that I'm a tipping toes
I'm looking outside through the bullet holes
No one will ever know, how hard it is to answer the phone
All my words get twisted, all my faith gets lifted
All my pain is drifting, and I don't know why
You're like an old time, old time problem
And when I should have left you alone
Well, now you got me on the floor
You're like an old time, old time problem
And when I should have left you alone
Well, now you got me on the floor
Well, I get so tired of trying
When I know you'll never be pleased
You're always giving me something
But never anything I need
Or maybe this ain't working
My back's against the wall
Maybe it ain't working
But that's the way it goes
You're like an old time, old time problem
And when I should have left you alone
Well, now you got me on the floor
You're like an old time, old time problem
And when I should have left you alone
Well, now you got me on the floor
You're like an old time, old time problem
And when I should have left you alone
Well, now you got me on the floor
You're like an old time, old time problem hey
And when I should have left you alone
Well, now you got me on the floor
The lyrics of Pepper's song "Old Time Problem" describe a toxic and tumultuous relationship that is akin to addiction. The singer of the song is clearly struggling with their partner and their addiction to alcohol, as evidenced by the line "I'm tied up with inebriation". They are clearly torn about the relationship, as they recognize the destruction it is causing but feel powerless to let go, resulting in a sense of hopelessness and defeat.
The chorus states that this problematic relationship is an "old time, old time problem", indicating that it is not something new but rather a recurring issue. The singer acknowledges that they should have left their partner alone but instead finds themselves on the floor, a metaphor for the relationship bringing them down. The bridge of the song expresses the singer's frustration with their inability to communicate properly in the relationship, making them feel twisted, isolated, and drained. The final lines of the song express the singer's exhaustion and uncertainty of whether they should continue the relationship despite the pain it causes them.
Overall, "Old Time Problem" is a poignant and relatable song about the struggle of being in a destructive relationship and the difficulty of letting go even when knowing it's necessary.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I see the sunshine in your hair
I notice the beauty in you, but unfortunately, I'm intoxicated and unable to connect properly.
But I'm tied up with inebriation
I'm stuck in a state of intoxication that's preventing me from being present and engaging with you.
Naughty girl, leave me alone
I'm frustrated with you, and I want you to give me space.
It's a moonshine love
Our love or attraction is fueled by alcohol and might not be sustainable in the long run.
I'm so jealous that I cut my hand off
I'm overly envious of you, and it's leading to self-destructive behavior.
Broken glass is in my veins
I'm emotionally wounded and feel like I'm made up of pieces of broken glass.
You're like an old time, old time problem
You are a persistent issue in my life, like a problem that never goes away.
And when I should have left you alone
There were moments when I should have let you go, but I didn't.
Well, now you got me on the floor
You've brought me to my breaking point, and I'm helpless and defeated.
Now that I'm a tipping toes
I'm on edge and feeling unsteady, like I might fall over at any moment.
I'm looking outside through the bullet holes
I'm feeling vulnerable and exposed, like I'm being targeted or under attack.
No one will ever know, how hard it is to answer the phone
I'm struggling to deal with the constant demands and pressure of communication with you, and it's taking a toll on me.
All my words get twisted, all my faith gets lifted
I'm feeling confused and uncertain about what to say or do, and my trust in you is eroding.
All my pain is drifting, and I don't know why
My emotional pain is becoming numb, and I'm losing a sense of clarity or purpose in our relationship.
Well, I get so tired of trying
I'm feeling exhausted and defeated in my attempts to make this relationship work.
When I know you'll never be pleased
I'm aware that you're hard to satisfy, and it's draining to keep trying without seeing any results.
You're always giving me something
You offer constant stimulation or input, but it's overwhelming and not always helpful or wanted.
But never anything I need
I feel like my true needs are not being met, even if you're providing constant input or stimulation.
Or maybe this ain't working
I'm starting to question whether this relationship is worth pursuing or not.
My back's against the wall
I feel trapped or cornered in this situation, with no easy way out.
Maybe it ain't working
I'm starting to doubt whether this relationship has a future or not.
But that's the way it goes
Sometimes things don't work out, even if we tried our best.
You're like an old time, old time problem hey
You are a chronic issue that keeps resurfacing, even when we try to move past it.
And when I should have left you alone
I regret not taking a step back and giving myself space when I needed it.
Well, now you got me on the floor
You've brought me low and made me feel defeated and helpless.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind