A dose of something new
The
Red Hot Chili Peppers, one of the greatest rock/funk bands of all time, are heavily scrutinised whenever they release a new album, due to changing sounds and a mixture of high risk and used ground. 'I'm With You' is the latest entry to have fans salivating and critics alert, fresh with a new guitarist (Josh Klinghoffer, who has replaced long time favourite John Frusciante) and a more upbeat and dance-focused
track list. Will 'I'm With You' place the American outfit back at the top after 'Stadium Arcadium' failed to do so?
From the opening minutes of the album it is obvious that something is different. Klinghoffer puts his own stamp on proceedings, with unique instrumental play and backing vocals that alter the band's dynamic, though this is far from a negative. 'The Adventures of Raindance Maggie', the first song to be played by radio stations and music television, is an insight into how the rest of the production conducts itself, complete with Klinghoffer's first guitar solo and a verse/chorus combination that pays homage to previous work. Though with a teaser out among the airwaves, will the complete package impress?
There is no doubting the positivity of this album, the fun and rhythmic beats, entertaining lyrics and moments of emotional highs and lows. Anthony Kiedis has taken his vocals to another level, demonstrating so in slow tracks such as 'Brendan's Death Song' while still showing off speed and precision in 'Goodbye Hooray'. Flea, one of the most respected bass players in the world, continues to leave a trademark, revealing his loud personality in deep and fun loving riffs. Chili Pepper fans of old will love tracks like 'Look Around' that encourage maximum volume and allow for crazy dance moves, minus the shirt and full of energy, while 'Ethiopia' could easily fit into the previous album 'By the way'.
The list of tunes contains an even split between fast and slow, lyrical and melodic, old and new. Frusciante's exit is sad, but Klinghoffer is more than capable of making up the ground with a world class guitar style and impressive vocals. Fans of the band will not be disappointed, being handed a CD that is stronger than 'Stadium Arcadium' yet moves along with the current musical trend nicely. Others can also find bundles to like about the direction this band is taking, compiling a group of songs that have the ability to please everyone.
Do yourself a favour and relish in the latest efforts of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the most adaptable rock band in the world today.
