Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Red Hot Chili Peppers "I'm With You" Review

As their new record "I'm With You" opens, the stuttering and stammering of off-beat drums and screeches of an out-of-tune guitar cram themselves into your ear drums. Lead Vocalist Anothony Kiedis shudders and moans proclamations of blood running through and dreams of eternal life. The Red Hot Chili Peppers know how to send a message. The self-symbolism molds a picture of their rock n' roll empire falling to shambles, when out of nowhere, the Chili Peppers are back. There's Kiedis' signature voice, Flea's lightning fingered bass lines, Chad Smith's heart and soul beats and there's even comfort on the new kid; newly added guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. Ladies and gentlemen, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are back. No, not just another rock n' roll empire throwing another record out there to make a few bucks, The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back and "hotter" than ever.

"Factory of Faith" follows the metaphorical opener "Monarchy of Roses" and is absolutely classic Chili Peppers. A catchy bass line jaunts like that of an upbeat jazz piece, with Flea's trademark swagger of course. Kiedis' sauntry tone weaves a catchy chorus that is as strong as ever and Klinghoffer's talents are on display towards the end of the song, in a frantic compilation with bass and drums coming along for the ride.

What comes next is titled "Brendan's Death Song" and it is exactly what it sounds like. An ode to fallen friend and co-biographer Brendan Mullen.  Even in a somber song like this, the Chili Peppers still find a way to make the song feel positive and groovy. The song serves as an uplifting goodbye to their close friend with a powerful message 

The album continues to sprint forward with the Chili Peppers' signature funk and groove reassuring fans that despite another lineup change since their last release, they are back and haven't missed a beat. Then comes the song that seems to find it's way onto every album they put out; the song that makes the album a masterpiece. "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" is 110% a Red Hot Chili Peppers signature single. The uprising groove could make a Chorophobic (Fear of Dancing) get up and dance. "Tick-tock, I want to rock you like the 80's," this is the type of song that the RHCP has built their funk empire on and is yet another song that can be added their laundry list on smash hits.

Take yourself back to the days when the Red Hot Chili Peppers blended genres together like they were making a delicious musical concoction. "I'm With You" is not just another good RHCP album, it's one that will be caught in your head for weeks. Do yourself a favor and go check out this album, you won't be disappointed. Red Hot Chili Peppers' "I'm with You," take a bite!