Deep in the safe seclusion of what he refers to as Camp Pepper, the machiavellian contriver behind Gregory Pepper & his Problems is perennially hard at work. Some speculate that it’s a self-imposed sense of duty or raging narcissism that compels him to steer the titanic pop vessel alone, single handedly writing and recording multi-tracked homages to Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney, with a dash of Axl Rose. Pepper himself may concede to a “too many chefs spoil the broth” mentality, striving to tender a singular vision like that of the troubled poet or mad painter. Others might venture to guess that he doesn’t have any real friends or is too domineering to work with. Whatever the case may be, 2009’s With Trumpets Flaring (Fake Four) proudly showcases Pepper’s knack for melody and harmony, experimental production, and eclecti
c songwriting. But please, don’t take our word for it:
“Gorgeous and glorious, Gregory Pepper is the surprise underground pop find of the year, and With Trumpets Flaring is an astounding display of crafty musicianship”
- Exclaim
“Classic bedroom pop, full of sweet sounds contemplating topics of grim introspection…the record flows so smoothly that first time listeners will likely find themselves checking the track number to see if they're hearing a new song. This is an intelligently crafted pop album.”
- CHARTattack
“At times it is enigmatic, blissful even, and in others it’s a one-man dance party for the ADD inclinations in all of us. This is further actualized with his new album, the bafflingly good With Trumpets Flaring.”
– ECHO
“With the same passion for sonic layers that drove Brian Wilson to make Beach Boys classics like Pet Sounds, Pepper has no qualms about experimenting with multi-tracking and incorporating countless instruments and voices into a single song. The results are always dizzying.”
– CBC Radio3
In addition to a handful of upcoming live performances – either as a loop pedal based one man symphony, or with his power house rock quartet – 2010 promises to be a landmark year: Connecticut based Fake Four Inc. will release "The Great Depression" under the mysterious moniker Common Grackle. Building upon themes of hopelessness and decline while showcasing Pepper’s massive vocal harmonies, the record features production by Saskatoon’s Factor (Awol One, Kirby Dominant, Busdriver, Xzibit ) and a guest appearance by rap icon Kool Keith.
In the meantime, Camp Pepper remains a symbol of low-fi industry, ceaselessly spitting out visual art, freelance production, and of course: warped pop music.
come visit us at www.camppepper.com
Label website - www.fakefourinc.com/
Management – dan@friendlyfirerecordings.com
Canadian PR - sarah@mustbesanta.ca
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