Pepper Rabbit

Southern California duo Pepper Rabbit sound like a signature dessert in an upscale bakery tastes—richly layered, with different instruments baked-in, like ribbons of flavor running through bright arrangements. Melodies simmer at the center, offering a ’60s California pop air and echoing the sunkissed strains of The Beach Boys, Love and the Mamas and the Papas. The sticky-sweet hooks are moved by an array of sampled sounds and instruments, a regular pocket orchestra that evokes the epic pop of Animal Collective. It’s a lot bigger than you’d expect from a duo—indeed, a touring member’s added to recreate the music live.

The pair came together when Xander Singh recruited Luc Laurent to help out on his full-length debut solo release, Beauregard, and back him for shows in India. Laurent traveled to and from New Orleans, where Singh was living, while working on the album from 2008 through 2009. Recognizing the energy of their collaboration, they both settled in Silver Lake, and Pepper Rabbit evolved from Singh’s solo project into a band. They’re both skilled multi-instrumentalists, recreating much of the debut’s sonic tapestry live with trumpets, ukeleles, clarinets and banjos.

Their second release—Red Velvet Snow Ball, due in August—is more collaborative. A less frenzied presentation, it’s still grand at moments (such as the angelic build that concludes “Allison”) though it unfolds in a more measured, deliberate manner. Harmonies resound throughout; it’s not uncommon for Laurent and Singh to be joined by choirs of ahhhhing voices. The greater focus, gentler tempos and quieter arrangements allow the songs to woo you rather than press you against the wall behind the bar. —Chris Parker