Local Motion
LAW, 2019
8/10
Pepper are back with their 8th album, and much like everything they’ve done, their reggae, dub and ska-influenced punk rock sounds are full of uncontainable energy and light subject matter that’s often as laid back as their music.
“Warning”, with Stick Figure, starts the listen with soothing vocals and a mellow groove, and “Carnaval”, featuring Henry Fong and Jinco, follows with bright horns and a full setting of reggae playfulness with precise bass work.
Elsewhere, “Candy” has the band settling into a moody groove of sugary sweet melody, while “Brand New Day” offers us an upbeat atmosphere of pop influenced fun to their breezy island formula.
Near the end, “Goddaugther”, where E.N. Young lends his talents, is the most sentimental tune, and “My Holiday”, with Micah Brown (of Iration), ends the listen with warm horns and lively percussion on one of the fullest tracks that will certainly get your body moving.
Probably considered an institution now in the area of punk/reggae/ska sounds, for over two decades the trio of Pepper have been maturing in all the best ways, and Local Motion unfolds like the perfect summer album.
Travels well with: Slightly Stoopid-Everyday Life, Everyday People; The Green- Black & White