Pep Squad must not like to write lyrics. Of the twelve songs on their latest album, Yreka Bakery, one is a cover, one is taken directly from Scripture, and one has no words. The remaining nine tracks are all ultra-simplistic, lyrically, as the song "Wild Pack" shows:
Right over here
Right loud and clear
Throw them to the hogs
Wild pack of dogs and they chase you down
This is the song in its entirety. It's actually just as well that there aren't many lyrics, because lead singer Bryan Everett has a rough, hoarse voice that can be quite abrasive and unattractive at times. The music matches him most of the time: rough, unpolished alternapop with a punk edge.
Yreka Bakery is a puzzle. By all rules of logic, I should not like this album. It has everything that I'd consider unattractive for a band: sloppy production, unattractive vocals, and lyrics that are barely present, much less philosophical. But there's an indescribable coolness factor circulating throughout the album. Pep Squad apparently graduated from the Jason Martin school of songwriting. They write catchy pop songs that are ultra-simplistic, easy to play, but undeniably cool.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #77Reviewed by Amanda NelsonPep Squad delivers a cool new CD, Yreka Bakery, through Tooth & Nail Records; not nearly as dark as their previous project and a little more fun. "Freak Show" is just that; a bit freaky but really playful. "On That Day" is very spiritual with lots of Bible lyrics, and much more mellow than I expected, and "The Fabulous Moolah" is a really cool song that I can't stop singing to myself. The beat…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1999Reviewed by Alex KlagesCute idea, to name your album after a mythical bakery, whose chief claim to fame is being palindromic. Fortunately, long after the novelty of the album title has worn off, the melodies of this fine 4-piece band from the northwest will be floating through your head. Because of their band name and the label that they're on (Tooth & Nail), it would be easy to prejudge Pep Squad as just another…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinGive me a P! Give me an E! Give me another P! Give me a S - Q - U - A - D! What does it spell? PEP SQUAD! Go Pep Squad, go! If the band name Pep Squad mentally conjures a group of alterna-pop cheerleaders, you would be close. If you envision a gaggle of cutesy, short skirt-wearing, guitar-playing, tumbling teenagers, however, the analogy has gone too far (although the band has been known to…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaPep Squad has moved to Tooth and Nail for their new release, Yreka Bakery, bringing all of their energy and hooky creativity with them. This record is a leap forward in style and musical maturity from the debut on BEC, No Doy. Now a four piece band, with Bradley Swanson on bass and Evan Railton on drums, led by Bryan Everett and his sister, Kim on guitars, the Squad rings full, and sometimes,…Similar sounding releases
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