If you’re looking to hear technical perfection, a perfect “A pentatonic” or a bunch of whiney douche’s crying about their girlfriends; you won’t find it at a Pepper show.
You’ll find a laid back group of guys simply doing what they love and increasing their loyal fan base one amazing show at a time.
The experience you will undergo at a Pepper concert is one all its own. From the band to the fans, Pepper’s primary goal is to create a fun environment for not only the fans but for themselves as well.
To classify Pepper into one genre or stereotypical group is impossible.The Kona based Hawaiian trio known as Pepper draws their influences from a number of varying genres and have had a number of different bands and artists that have contributed to their inspirations and productions.
The best way to describe Pepper’s sound would be to say that their Hawaiian Reggae roots got it on with Punk; Dub and Ska jumped into the mix, and hip hop got it all on tape with the end result being Pepper.
Pepper draws their influences from a wide array of bands, from The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime and Nirvana to old school Metallica and even the Police, Pepper exudes a truly innovative persona and sound.
Their most recent album, No Shame was released on October 3rd, 2006 and can be described as the bands “totally uncut and uncensored” album. Pepper prides this album for showcasing each member and showing them all for who they truly are, musically and personally.
The album No Shame, has had contributions from two of the “Nu-Ska and Reggae greats”; Nick Hexum of 311, Tony Kanal of No Doubt as well as the innovative input of Paul Leary of the Butthole Surfers.
Pepper consists of a three-member make up: Brett Bollinger-bass and vocals, Kaleo Wassman- guitar and vocals And Yesod Williams on drums.
The three originally came from The “Big Island” of Hawaii. “We grew up aspiring to be professional surfers” recalled Wassman, “When we discovered that we weren’t that great at surfing we settled on being musicians.” Wassman said with a smile.
You may have caught Pepper on their most recent national headlining tour with the amazing Santa Cruz based Reggae/Metal fusion Known as the Expendables along with Up and coming Dub-Reggae/Rockers, Passafire hailing from Savannah Ga.
The Expendables are a truly talented group of musicians and are as humble and easy going as they are skilled; making the impossible possible.
The band consists of four members: Geoff Weers on guitar and heading vocals, Ryan Demars on bass, Adam Patters on drums/backup vocals and Raul Bianchi on lead guitar.
Their ability to fuse reggae and metal is impeccable. Two genres of music that would have never ordinarily seemed possible to mesh, come together to form a genre all its own. Transitioning between roots reggae and face melting “Iron Maidenesque” metal.
One of my favorite albums “Gettin’ Filthy” was released in 2004′ featuring songs like: bowl for two and let her go. Since then, the Expendables have released their self-titled album; which is a close second.
If you ever have the chance to catch the Expendables live, I strongly recommend it, if not; picking up an album is a must!
Despite the technical difficulties that Passafire had to deal with towards the beginning of their set, they were able to put on an outstanding performance and produced an amazing unnaturally, natural reggae vibe given their southern roots.
This reporter had the chance to sit down and get a feel for where the band was really coming from by getting a little perspective from each member.Passafire is made up of four members: Ted Browne- guitar and vocals, Adam Willis on keys, Will Kubley on bass and vocals, and brother Nick Kubley on drums.
“We would primarily describe the genre of our music as reggae/rock” stated Willis, “The bands that have influenced us the most over the years, has been The Police, The Clash, and 311” said Browne, “We most recently have been grabbing inspirations through sitting down and listening to bands we normally never would have thought of listening to”.
The bands formation is rooted in Savannah, Georgia, out of Savannah College of Art and Design. Passafire met and got together on almost what seems to be an accidental basis.
“We originally got together to do a school project,” said Willis, a music production major at the time. “After we messed around for a while and thought we didn’t sound too bad, we picked up a bassist”, (Will Kubley, who was a high school senior at the time) “and decided to start gigging around town”
The bands success thus far can be attributed solely to hard work and dedication.
During the bands humble beginnings, Keyboardist, Adam Willis acted not only as a musician, but as the bands primary promoter and manager as well; booking the majority of the bands shows and getting their name out there.
You can find Passafire on Peppers record Label, Law Records as well as on tour, as they continue to tour whenever they get the chance. The band is currently on the road with the reggae genius of bands like Badfish, The Wailers, and 311.
Given this bands work ethic along with their innate ability to harness their raw talent to produce a sound all their own; I can tell you right now, this band is going places, so if you want to catch an unforgettable show, make that trip and Catch a Fire with Passafire.
This tour has been Phenomenal. You couldn’t ask for a much better lineup than The Expendables, Pepper and Passafire to keep the mood right.
The only thing that could make for a better show is by throwing SLIGHTLY STOOPID into the mix, and we’re in luck, the people Silver Back Management along with Law Records, and Earshot Media has put together an upcoming tour with Headliners: Pepper and Slightly Stoopid.
I’ll have all the details as well as a review in upcoming issues.Until then, this is Cody, bringing you the scoop on what’s happening in music.
A Special thanks to: Mike Cubillos, Coach, Pepper, The Expendables and
Passafire.
