My take: Pepper, perhaps the most recognizable band from Hawai'i today, is at it again. The trio of Kona boys seems to have had the Midas touch ever since its first single, "Give It Up (The Dirty Hot Sex Song)," was released. With a list of local radio smashes long enough to rival any MTV-crowd act; a new record label, Atlantic (which is humorously ironic); and tour dates all over the United States, Pepper could very well be the most popular Hawaiian export since sugar cane.

The group's fourth full-length record, "No Shame," is the much-anticipated follow-up to 2004's "In With the Old." It's already produced a big hit with the first single "Your Face." Beyond that, it's filled with exactly what Pepper fans love them for: reggae-laced rock, smooth vocals, rugged guitar work and those funny little skits thrown in between to show music doesn't always have to be serious to be good.

What may be a curveball for listeners are the first two tracks: "Bring Me Along" and "Rent." Instead of the straightforward rock Pepper's known for, the songs sound more like something you'd find on a Jack Johnson album. There's nothing wrong with that. Actually, it's quite welcoming to hear Kaleo Wassman's voice in a different style; good for him for showing his chops.

After the two initial songs, it's right back to Pepper-brand rock with "No Control," one of my personal favorites here, "Green Hell" and "Lost in America," which is an account of all the places the trio has been and life on tour. It may be a typical subject, but instead of singing about celebrity excesses or relationships ruined by the road, the song is a travel diary set to riffs more than anything else.

And the band hasn't lost its rascal side. In fact, more of it is shown on "No Shame" than in previous records, fully justifying the Parental Advisory sticker on the cover. If you thought the comedic interlude from "Give It Up" was something, wait till you hear the skits "UFA Point," "Beers" and "Intro," the last of which is ironically placed last on the CD.

Another step up Pepper took for its first at-bat on a big label is album length. With 18 tracks, 15 of them actual songs, "No Shame" is the band's longest to date. This doesn't make a big difference in enjoyment, but if nothing else it means you're getting more songs for your cents.

Overall, "No Shame" is as good as you'd expect. Nothing here is going to change the future of rock music, but it's a fun listen that Pepper fans will enjoy and is definitely something fans of the group's many influences (which range from The Police to Sublime) should check out.

Jeremy Castillo, who received his associate of arts degree from Windward Community College, is attending the University of Idaho.