I cant talk about the current tour without giving a little background on how I discovered Pepper. Back in the spring I was looking for a show to go to and saw that a band named Pepper was playing the next night. I found a copy of No Shame, the current release of the time, at Natural Sound Records. I put it into the listening station and realized this show was worth going to. Pepper reminded me of The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Some of the songs were anthems that a crowd could really get into like No Control and Your Face. Others had dreamy beach sounds infused with Jamaican bass lines like Bring Me Alongand Rent. There also was a Cheech and Chong like feel due to a character called “The Coach” telling stories about encounters with groupies. No doubt Pepper knows the good life having hailed from Hawaii before relocating to the heart of Sublime country in the O.C. Obviously, they picked up influences from the local music scene.
I showed up at the Sunshine Theater and before I knew it the place filled with one of the most partying fan bases I have encountered. It was like the kids had been locked up for months and let out of their cages. The music and the scene hooked me so when I had an opportunity to cover them at the history filled Red Rocks Amphitheater I braved the rain and made the 8 hour drive up. This tour is in support of the new release Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations. On the bill were headliners Slightly Stoopid, reggae star Half Pint and dub masters Sly and Robbie. I got to the venue and the crowd was in full form having partied all day in the parking lot. Red Rocks is quite a hike. There is one way in/out: a ramp built to access the natural bowl set amongst scenic rocks. It is amazing that in the 38 years I have been doing shows this is my first time here.
Once in I bought my Pepper t-shirts and shortly before Pepper came on the rain stopped. The band came on stage shirtless and in beach shorts wearing disguises and sunglasses. All in good fun. They made an instant connection with the crowd. They dont do prepared set lists and base the songs played on how they feel and the crowd atmosphere. Among the songs played were No Control from the previous record and Musical 69″ from the new record. Its not hard to figure out what that song is about. Its not as in your face haha, as Point and Shoot but similar subject. They displayed a phone number on the screen and ask fans to call and leave a message on why they should be invited to the after party. My guess is the sexy female callers ended up on the guest list probably after visual confirmation by The Coach.
The new record has a dominating Reggae/Ska feel to it while exploring new ground. One song Wet Love seems to give a nod to Snow Patrol. While Blackout goes back and forth between Reggae and punk. Freeze and Stand and Fall are my favorite songs from Pink Crustaceans. This record grows on you. One thing is for sure, Pepper is not going to be stopped having a good time and putting out great songs. Also worth mentioning is lead vocalist Kaleo Wasman. He is smooth as silk and could stand alone as a solo superstar. He reminds me of several great singers. Freddy Fenders “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” would be a great cover for him. I hear a little R. B Greaves who did Take a Letter Maria and I hear a little Tony Williams from the Platters. Imagine Kaleo doing The Great Pretender.
Im sorry I didnt discover them sooner while they were doing clubs. Either way they are a fun, fun time and the music is great! They return to the Sunshine and I will be there with 1000 other fans. Perhaps the last time they play such a small venue. See em while you can.
