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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.”
Prank Caller
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About this female that was for sale, at least not for me
I saw her at the bar, across the dance floor
I said I like your style, she said I was a w***e
Don't get me wrong I don't mean to be rude you just
Try'in to pin me with this, attitude
I said, no no no, you got it mixed up
So I followed up with
You got something over me
You got me crazy that I just can't breathe
But you don't wanna give it to me
I, I, I, I
I say okay
No way
Went home right after to my, lonely bed
Replayed the conversation situation, in my head
I got you phone number from a distant friend
And you picked up, I hung up, I called aging
I finally say hi, you say how'd you get this number screaming
It's not me it's your friendly prank caller
And every day since I have seen you since
I tried to let you understand cause I am convinced that
You got something over me
You got me crazy that I just can't breathe
But you don't wanna give it to me
I, I, I, I
I say okay
No way
The lyrics of Pepper's song Prank Caller are about a guy who meets a girl at a bar and tries to hit on her. However, the girl rejects him and calls him a whore. The guy is confused and tries to explain that the girl has misunderstood him. Later, he manages to get the girl's phone number from a distant friend and starts calling her every day, pretending to be a prank caller. He still likes her and wants to pursue her, but she refuses to give him a chance. The song is about unrequited love and the frustration that comes with it.
The lyrics are very relatable as most people have experienced unrequited love at some point in their lives. The song is catchy and upbeat, which makes it suitable for listening to on a sunny day or during a party. The lyrics effectively convey the emotions of the singer in a simple and direct way.
Line by Line Meaning
Sit around the fire as I tell my storie
Let's gather around and I'll tell you a story
About this female that was for sale, at least not for me
I saw a woman at the bar, but she wasn't interested
I saw her at the bar, across the dance floor
Across the room, there was a woman catching my eye
I said I like your style, she said I was a w***e
I complimented her, but she insulted me
Don't get me wrong I don't mean to be rude you just
I'm not trying to disrespect you, but...
Try'in to pin me with this, attitude
You're accusing me of something I'm not doing
I said, no no no, you got it mixed up
I disagree with what you're saying
Cause the girl was insane
She was acting crazy
So I followed up with
Then I said
You got something over me
I'm captivated by you
You got me crazy that I just can't breathe
You have a powerful hold over me
But you don't wanna give it to me
But you're not interested in pursuing anything
I, I, I, I
I feel strongly about this
I say okay
I'm trying to accept the situation
No way
But it's hard to let go
Went home right after to my, lonely bed
I left and went home to be alone
Replayed the conversation situation, in my head
I thought about our conversation over and over
I got you phone number from a distant friend
I got your phone number from someone else
And you picked up, I hung up, I called aging
I called you, hung up, then called again
I finally say hi, you say how'd you get this number screaming
When I finally spoke to you, you were angry and asked how I got your number
It's not me it's your friendly prank caller
I apologized and said I was prank calling you
And every day since I have seen you since
Ever since then, I've seen you around
I tried to let you understand cause I am convinced that
I've tried to explain myself because I believe that...
You got something over me
I'm still mesmerized by you
You got me crazy that I just can't breathe
You still have an intense hold over me
But you don't wanna give it to me
But you're still not interested
I, I, I, I
My feelings haven't changed
I say okay
I'm still trying to accept it
No way
But it's still difficult to move on
Contributed by Joseph H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.