I'm With You

In 2006, the biggest rock band in the world was selling out stadiums, making people wild over their music, and making millions of dollars. Then they dropped off the face of the planet. For four years, the Red Hot Chili Peppers disappeared. One member played in other bands, one went to school to study music theory, one had a son, and one left the band. After being enshrouded in mystery for so long, they burst back onto the music scene this summer with a new guitarist and a new album, “I’m With You”.

I’ve been listening it over for the past two weeks or so and somehow, it manages to sound like classic Red Hot Chili Peppers (slinky, funky, poppy, and melodic) while at the same time being something very new and modern sounding (textural, electronic, and gritty). This ‘new’ sound is most likely attributed to the new member of the band, Josh Klinghoffer, who has played with the likes of Gnarls Barkley, PJ Harvey, and John Frusciante, the previous guitarist of the Chili Peppers.

The album is experimental and at times almost avant-garde sounding. There are layers of guitars and keyboards on almost every track and a great deal of Latin sounding percussion. The standout songs feature some classic Chili Peppers touches and motifs. Between the downbeat rap of “Look Around” and the mellow crooning of “Meet Me At the Corner”, lead singer, Anthony Kiedis is in fine form, sometimes even trumping his past melodic ventures. The frenzied beginnings of “Monarchy of Roses” transition into the pristine disco pop chorus naturally and the odd time signature bass groove of “Ethiopia” highlights the dynamic rhythm section of the band.

Despite being the freshman band member, Klinghoffer contributes some excellent guitar parts and background harmonies, as well as some unlikely guitar solos in a very different way than his predecessor. He finds his sonic range in the band with seeming ease and ability.

Overall, it has taken some time to grow on me but I am really impressed with the album. It is different than their previous works but that’s what is great about music: It’s always changing. I’ve read both positive and negative reviews of the album but in the end, it all comes down to personal taste.

Stand out Tracks:

Ethiopia

Did I Let You Know

Monarchy Of Roses

Factory of Faith