Review Summary: A return to form and a new start for the still evolving band. A solid album lacking the stand out tracks that defined the band.
It is those short moments between you putting the CD in and the first song starting that I love. The feeling of not knowing what the hell is going to blast out of those speakers but in for the ride regardless. This was exactly how I felt putting in my brand new Red Hot Chili Peppers CD on release day. Then it hit me. Pounding drums and a galloping bass. Frantic static effect-overloaded guitars cover me. The oh so familiar Anthony Kiedis jumps on and in now time this galloping metal tune goes full disco. African drums are blazing through the mix and all I can think is that the Red Hot Chili Peppers were back. Of course, that feeling didn't last.
It was a long 4 year hiatus for the band. During which long-time guitarist John Frusciante departed to work on his ever expanding solo career. The fate of the band rested in the fraternal love of three LA born rockers. These are the same men that partied to death (killing their original guitarist) and performed only wearing socks on their cocks. Alas, the band have grown up. Their last double album had them singing about wedding vows and their favourite dog. While some would say that the band lost their trademark sound, most agree that they are an ever evolving band and value each of their periods. When rookie guitarist Josh Klinghoffer (Fronts ''Bicycle Thief'' and a frequent collaborator with ex-chili guitarist John Frusciante) was hired as the obvious choice, fans had no idea what the band would sound like in their latest release.
The question is; do they still have the energy and passion in their music that brought them to fame? The answer is yes. One year writing and 100 written songs later we end up with I'm With You. From start to finish we are given a look into where the band has come from and where they are going. "Brendan's Death Song" is a sweet tribute to long time friend Brendan Mullen who passed away upon the start of the I'm With You sessions. It shows the band matured yet without losing their touch. The song rolls along with thrashing acoustic guitars and builds up to an epic ending with power. It also shows singer Anthony Kiedis evolving as a lyricist (which is a big deal for him). Lyrics like:
"The nights are long but the years are short when you're alive, "
"Let me live, so when it's time to die, even the Reaper cries.
Let me die so when it's time to live another sun will rise. "
show the maturity and the passion that the band previously lacked. The band has it's share of good tracks. "Ethiopia" is a funky bass led jam in an African inspired 7/4 time signature. While Kiedis may lack lyrically on the track making him seem like a kindergarten student learning the alphabet;
"E-I-O-I-E-I-A, when you give your love away"
The band still powers through the track in style. The previously mentioned opener "Monarchy Of Roses" is a great mix between metal and disco with a lot of interesting textures going on. "Annie Want's A Baby" is a slower paced song reminiscent of their last album "Stadium Arcadium" and highlights one of the flaws of the album. The whole record has an empty space in which Klinghoffer fails to fill. He either hides his part under other instruments in the mix or strums along joyously. This is understandable for the first time in a position like this.
With a lack of leadership from the new guitarist, bassist Flea takes to leading the band. He starts of countless songs with just his bass lines. This trend begins to tire quickly. Once we hit the second half of the album, things begin to get more complex and interesting. We have the piano led sing-along "Happiness Loves Company". "Police Station" is a chilled out guitar led tune with lyrics rooted in love gone by.
"I saw you on a TV station and it made me want to pray.
An empty shell of loveliness is now dusted with decay. "
"Look Around" is a faster paced arena rock song with echoed guitars and Anthony's signature rapped verses and a chorus upbeat enough to drive you mad. A stand out for me was the mellow "Meet Me At The Corner". It features Josh at his best out of the whole album. He glides us through with jazzy chords and his backing vocals to match that of Frusciante's. It is well understood that the album has a lot of solid tracks. There is just the one major factor bringing it down. There are now standouts unlike the Peppers's previous releases.
I'm With You shows a band off to an exciting new start. Overall it is a solid album but lacks the killer tracks that make the leap from a solid album to a stand out album. It is still worth buying for new and old fans alike.
