Biography

Influenced by the musical trends of the 1960s, the Pepper Pots are a Spanish pop group modeled after the Ronettes, the Crystals, and other vintage pop acts. The large lineup includes three female vocalists -- Adriana Prunell, Mercè Munné, and Marina Torres, all of whom share lead vocals -- as well as a backup band of male musicians. Although based in Girona, the Pepper Pots began drawing inspiration from other countries with their 2004 debut, Swingin' Sixties, which combined American soul music with Jamaican genres like ska and rocksteady. Shake It! followed two years later. By the release of 2009's Now!, the Pepper Pots had morphed into a 1960s pop throwback, shedding the reggae influences and embracing a rich, retro sound informed by Phil Spector, Motown, and Stax Records. Binky Griptite, a key member of the Dap-Kings who played on Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, produced the album. When it came time to record 2011's Train to Your Lover, the band worked with another soul icon, this time partnering with Motown sound engineer Bob Ohisson. ~ Andrew Leahey, Rovi