Album Review: Red Hot Chili Peppers ‘The Getaway’

Red Hot Chili peppers have never been a band to stick to just one style. Each album represents a level of musical evolution within the band that has happened behind the scenes, and as such no two ‘Chili Peppers albums sound the same. This tendency can definitely be applied to the legendary quartet’s latest album ‘The Getaway’.

‘The Getaway’ marks a new frontier in the LA outfit’s sound, a diverse album combining the sounds of several genres whilst still maintaining the foundation of the much loved ‘Chili Peppers groove. To see the sonic evolution I’m talking about, compare the band’s self-titled 1984 debut album to any of the tracks on ‘The Getaway’ and you’ll clearly hear shift in genres, instrumentation, and delivery.

‘The Getaway’ itself is no doubt a great album, and their newest musical foray into mixing funk rock with lighter, melodic sounds has paid off handsomely. The opening tracks of the album exemplify the new sound, with the title track (of which singer Anthony Kiedis stated is his favourite on the album) and the latest single, Dark Necessities. The inclusion of piano is perhaps one of the identifying features of the band’s new direction. We Turn Red is sure to please most of the staunchly classic ‘Chili Peppers fans as Chad Smith’s pounding drums and Flea’s sturdy bass work are reminiscent of something off of ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magic’.

“Klinghoffer’s guitar work is impressive and funky where required, and it definitely feels as though his playing style and phrasing gels well with the band.”

As it’s the second album with new-ish guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, the difference between ‘The Getaway’ and their previous effort, 2011’s ‘I’m With You’, is significant. Klinghoffer’s guitar work is impressive and funky where required, and it definitely feels as though his playing style and phrasing gels well with the band. That being said, the lack of guitar solos on ‘The Getaway’ is somewhat upsetting as several of the heavier tracks instrumentally could do well with a soulful solo, the likes of which (dare I say the name) John Frusciante mastered.

Admittedly, some fans will miss Frusciante even more on ‘The Getaway’. Where ‘I’m With You’ was an attempt by Klinghoffer to somewhat emulate Frusciante, ‘The Getaway’ is something more within Klinghoffer’s melodic/alternative comfort zone. The Longest Wave, Goodbye Angels, and Sick Love are where Klinghoffer shines bright, with Sick Love being perhaps one of the best songs on the album.

A funky bliss, Sick Love will please ‘Chili Peppers fans both old and new. The same can be said for Go Robot, a slap-bass driven tune which brings to mind older tracks like Factory Of Faith and Hump de Bump. Feasting on the Flowers and Detroit also bring in a more familiar funk-rock groove that show the band is still filled with energy.

‘The Getaway’ marks the band’s first album since 1989’s ‘Mother’s Milk’ to have not been produced by Rick Rubin. As a legendary producer, Rubin’s efforts on the band’s seminal albums played a large part in the Chili Pepper’s skyrocket to success in the early 90s. In the recording for ‘The Getaway’ however, the band opted to be produced by musician and producer Danger Mouse. The influence of Mouse on the band’s new album is undeniable, having co-written several of the tracks.

“[Red Hot Chili Peppers have] created something truly great with this song, a mixture of dark and light, driven by each member’s instrument.”

As such, the subtleties of the tracks on ‘The Getaway’ imply it’s an artistic statement by the band to do something definitively new. This Ticonderoga interestingly enough has the band revive a punk rock sound, whereas Encore and The Hunter opt for more dramatic, piano directed compositions. The album is rounded out by Dreams of a Samurai, one of the sonically heaviest and most impressive piece on the album. The band has created something truly great with this song, a mixture of dark and light, driven by each member’s instrument.

At the end of the day, ‘The Getaway’ will always have its detractors, but it’s important for Red Hot Chili Peppers to take a risk and try something new. ‘The Getaway’ is definitely an album that grows on you, it just needs to be given a chance. Perhaps it isn’t the band’s best album, but it is an exciting new direction for the group and makes for a great listen regardless of any preconceptions.