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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.”
d-425
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On this four floor elevator
But i've been singing away
All my tears, you forgot to say
But iiiiii wil be okay
Skirrrrpaparrrara
I used to rock the D-425
While the resin dried my ?gems?
Which incomplete it ain't
His eye just walk away
Skirrrrpaparrrara
Hmm
Skirrrrpiparrrara
Ooh
Skirrrrpaparrrara ta aa aaa
These lyrics from Pepper's song d-425 appear to be describing a moment of isolation and loneliness. The singer is waiting alone on an elevator and imagining the presence of "ghosts", possibly a metaphor for past memories or relationships. Through their isolation, they are able to reflect and sing away their tears, indicating a sense of coping and resilience. Despite the loneliness, the singer reassures themselves that they will be okay.
The verse continues with a reference to the 'D-425', which appears to be a reference to a specific room where the singer used to spend time. The line "used to rock the D-425" suggests that this was a place of comfort or enjoyment for them. However, the line "while the resin dried my gems" adds a touch of sadness, indicating that even in this place of comfort, there may have been a sense of loss or incompleteness.
Overall, these lyrics present a complex emotional landscape, with a mix of loneliness, resilience, and nostalgia. The use of metaphor and imagery creates a rich layer of meaning, inviting the listener to reflect on their own sense of place and belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing with the ghosts as I wait
I am feeling lonely and standing alone while waiting for someone, and it feels like the ghosts of my past are haunting me.
On this four floor elevator
I am waiting on an elevator in a building with four floors.
But i've been singing away
To cope with my sadness, I have been singing and releasing my emotions through music.
All my tears, you forgot to say
I am hurt because the person I am waiting for didn't even bother to console me or acknowledge my pain.
But iiiiii wil be okay
Even though the situation is tough, I will be able to handle it and be okay in the end.
The people on the fridge still shakein'
I have a memory of people shaking on my fridge and it still lingers in my mind.
I used to rock the D-425
I used to smoke weed in room D-425 and it brings back memories of simpler times.
While the resin dried my gems
I was smoking weed while my precious memories and moments started to set and harden in my mind like resin.
Which incomplete it ain't
The memories may be incomplete, but they are still significant and important to me.
His eye just walk away
Even though someone is watching me, they quickly turn away and ignore me.
Contributed by Lucas V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Price
It works and well worth the money. Safety first with young kids. Love mine loaded with pepper, tear gas and hard rubber slugs.
The Way the Truth the Life
For a home with young kids or teenagers this an excellent option.
Anfernee
Works on adults too!
Lalruatdika Varte
Nice video and very informative and very entertaining and very satisfaction more videos.
Matteo Bardella
Number One Is jpx jet protector piexon!!
Jane Garner
Would these pepper balls work against an alligator? I live in Florida.
Antonio López
With the shit of gas that those balls spread, it hardly works with a human, and you have to order him to stay still and inhale, so that in 4 minutes, it has an effect... In 4 minutes the alligator already bit you.. You don't get that this is a business (a very good business).
pawell zajac
How long will the co stay good in the gun?????
TexasDog3
I'll just stick to my 1911. He won't feel any pain, and I'll be saving the taxpayers money. And the criminal won't bother anybody ever again.
Robert Varde
Becareful because depending where you live in iyou could be facing jail time.