Studio:
John Tokarczyk: Drums, Bass, Guitar, Vocals
Live:
John Tokarczyk: Drums
Cheryl Alexander: Guitar
Cory Dotson: Guitar
Influences
Tool, Rush, Metallica, Motley Crue, Dave Matthews Band, Barenaked Ladies, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Anthrax, Bobaflex, Clutch, Dream Theater, Meldrum, Godsmack, Guns 'n' Roses, Queensryche, Rage Against the Machine, Primus, Pantera, Led Zeppelin, Laundry, Five Bolts Main, Rob Zombie, Soil, Nonpoint, Nine Inch Nails, Dope, Life of Agony, Crash Test Dummies, Fishbone, Ozzy Osbourne, Sevendust, Guano Apes, Machine Head, Sting, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Offspring, Aerosmith, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, POS, Beastie Boys, Gnarls Barkley, Wagner, Beethoven, and everyone else that makes great music.
Sounds Like
The many many voices, bangs, honks, squeeks, and sounds in my head. And also Living Colour, Primus, Rush, Live, Barenaked Ladies, Faith No More, Helmet.
" …what John Tokarczyk does here is make a groove-laden disc that stands out head and shoulders above what other contemporary bands are creating…. If you like any iteration of rock, be it hard rock, metal, or anything similar, search out Pepperdome's “Let’s Try The Otherside”." June 25, 2009 James McQuiston, NeuFutur Magazine, Click here for the entire review.
"…PepperDome has created a hard rock sound here that is edgy, but all the while the songs pump nothing but positive messages. So, the world of hard rock can unite with positivity….I do give props to PepperDome for killer guitar, drum and bass parts. I also give major props for this artist to come up with a genius idea of blending hard rock/alternative/progressive/new-wave with lyrics of ongoing dilemmas but performed in a light-hearted-kind-of fashion. " July 16, 2009 Jimmy Rae, Skope Entertainment Inc. Magazine, Click here for the entire review.
New album “Let’s Try The Otherside” is now available!!!! Click the cover to buy
" PepperDome is one of the most infectious and groundbreaking music projects in popular music today. Do yourself a favor and take a listen..then buy the CD..then wear the T-shirt..then put PepperDome stickers all over your parent's car! " May 6, 2007 Download for the Cure 2007 review committee
"Tokarczyk blends such things as prog scale acrobatics, double-bass drumming, a few uncommon chord progressions, and the occasional math frenzy into his hard-rock stew for sound that is not quite like anything else." August 2, 2007 Daniel McMillan, GoTriad Newspaper, Click here for the entire review.
After being behind the drums for 14 years, a point came where John Tokarczyk decided to explore his own musical ideas. So in the fall of 2005 after playing with several bands and musicians he decided to take destiny into his own hands and started to build the foundation that would lead to the birth of PepperDome. With a vast interest in many musical styles, it was quickly apparent that this project would be very different than anything else John was involved in. Although most would categorize the music as rock, there are so many influences taken from around the world it is near impossible to categorize the sound created.
The sophomore effort “Let’s Try The Otherside” continues from where the debut album “That Little Man” left off. With new life experiences and additional knowledge, it is quickly apparent that this music has grown and blossomed. The music is harder hitting and more powerful than before while still holding onto the quirky side PepperDome is known for. Although each song is unique in its own way, there is a common thread that runs throughout the album to make this music a collective whole. The music has a solid drum-bass foundation that is clearly complimented with the guitar and vocal overlays. It’s the thought process and phrasing of each song that makes them unique and allows them to stand out from today’s music community. Don’t be surprised when you notice all the melody and dynamics embedded within the album.
If you are expecting to hear songs about an ex-girlfriend, alcohol, drugs, or big shiny things, move on. The album’s messages reflect on one of the major themes embedded in PepperDome, understanding and exploration. Each song is designed to not only entertain, but to reflect on the world within and around you. As John says, “ We all have some level of ignorance in our lives, but we should become more aware of ourselves and our surroundings.” The lyrics are written to help educate and open your eyes to the world. Touching on the current state of the world, to families, friends, life changes, and personal pride, “Let’s Try The Otherside” pushes the limits while keeping a positive up-tempo feel. “I am in general a very happy and balanced person, so making hard rock tunes with a positive outlook is a challenge I enjoy,” John explains.
Right from the first track, “Wake Up,” there is intense, hard hitting, dynamic, melodic music with straight to the point lyrics. This recipe continues through the album but with slightly different ingredients to create the in-your-face title track “The Otherside” to the more meditative “Reality.” The almost sleazy and dirty “Tigers in Boxes” is a direct yang to the fun and exciting “Adventure.” But don’t be surprised when you hear the common thread that runs through all of these songs including the moody “Hopes and Dreams.” It is true, “That Little Man” created the fan base and foundation for PepperDome but “Let’s Try The Otherside” will bring the band to great new heights.
Thanks for the comment! Cool tunes! For what it's worth, and as weird as this may sound, your music reminds me bit of a blend between Phish and Devo (old reference, I know). It's all good! Peace. Pete
Hey PepperDome, Thanks for making friends. Keep your soul shining and your mojo rising! Rock On and may your dreams come true! LONG LIVE ROCK! TRIBE OF EDEN
Too bad, eh? We're holding out till the right drummer comes along. I see you have the Harptalica chicks on your top friends... they have some cool stuff going on. They live pretty close to us... about 45 minutes away... don't know them, though. Take it easy, stay in touch, and stay tuned :)
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