The band Pepper formed in the town of Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1996. Like most band from the islands, they had to leave for the mainland to broaden their horizons and reach a larger audience. After relocating to San Diego, California, the band toured tirelessly with the likes of 311, Slightly Stoopid, Sublime with Rome and spent a few summers on The Warped Tour. Although the band relocated in 1999, they have never forgotten their island roots. Pepper’s longtime Hawaii fans have always been rewarded with appearances on the islands. This year was no different.
After playing two gigs on the North Shore of Oahu, including a raucous acoustic set at the Volcom Surf House, Pepper played their last show of the year at The Republik, in Honolulu. Kaleo Wassman, on guitar and vocals, Brett Bollinger on bass and vocals, and Yesod Williams on drums took the stage to the cheers of a sold out show.
Pepper played their reggae, ska, alternative, pop punk, style of music for over an hour and a half. Almost half of the set list contained songs from their album Kona Town. Pepper began the show with the bass line of “Boot”. After playing “Start You Up”, one of two songs played from Pepper’s latest album Ohana, the band retuned to the Kona Town semi protest track “Stormtrooper."
The band continued with their smooth vocals and easy to absorb melodies on tracks as “Too Much”, “The Invite”, “Freeze”, and “Dry Spell”. The laid back spirit of adolescent hormone infused songs, “Point and Shoot”, “Hos”, “Drunk Girl”, “Give It Up”, and “F**k Around All Night” filled in the gaps of their set list. The band’s encore consisted of the one two punch of “Nice Time” and “Ashes”.
After a Christmas/New Year break Pepper will be returning to the mainland for a number of shows. If you need a break from the winter blues, and want a night of reggae/rock with high-energy, libido fueled summer anthems, don’t miss Pepper!
Setlist:
01. Boot
02. Start You Up
03. Stormtrooper
04. Point & Shoot
05. Hos
06. Too Much
07. Stone Love
08. Drunk Girl
09. Crazy Love
10. The Invite
11. Give It Up
12. Freeze
13. F**K Around (All Night)
14. No Control
15. Love Affair
16. Your Face
17. Dry Spell
Encore: Nice Time
Ashes