The way bands come and go, you have to be impressed when a band has been at it for more than 20 years. Pepper is one such band. Along the way, the band has branched from touring and recording to having their own wine and a cannabis strain. On their new album, Local Motion, Pepper shows it is going strong with 10 new original songs that will have you bouncing.
This album is highlighted by some guest musicians. “Warning” is a mellow, bouncy song that features Stick Figure. This is the perfect song for enjoying your favorite beverage on the patio on a hot day. It’s pretty much impossible to be in a bad mood when you hear this tune. “Goddaughter” features E.N. Young and will also put a smile on your face with the lyrics, “My dreams come true when I carry you and sing you a lullaby.” It kind of makes you wish for your own lullaby. The album closes with “My Holiday”, which features Micah Brown of Iration. When you hear about “sun-kissed girls dancing on the sand”, you might find yourself wishing for a vacation where you can enjoy tunes like this one.
In “Carnaval”, Brett Bollinger lays down a great bass track while the lyrics are about a girl who “moves like nothing I’ve seen” dancing at the Carnaval. The organ gives the song a brightness while the steady beat is sure to get you moving.
Some songs about getting it on are less than subtle – “Sugar” is not one of them. The lyrics at the beginning of the song are, “I think I need a drink, throw you up on the bathroom sink, and get these clothes removed.” Fittingly, this is a groovy song whose slow tempo is good for getting in the mood.
While a lot of the album is about fun themes, the band also has one that is more confrontational, which is keeping with the tradition of outspoken reggae songs. “We The People” begins with the lyrics, “We the people gonna stand our ground.” While the lyrics make a definite statement, the melody is pretty mellow – at least until you hear the shout, “This is the sound of a new revolution!”
Reggae is generally about mellowing out and having a good time. Though the themes vary, the melodies are perfect for relaxing on your couch or your patio with your favorite beverage.
