Red Hot Chili Peppers – The Getaway

The Getaway is the latest offering from one of the most successful rock bands of all time. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been a strong force in the music world, remaining consistently good after massive successes like Under the Bridge, Californication and By the Way. They are a band who have very definitively crafted and developed their own style and sound, and this is continued in their new album. It is simply very Chili’s: The Getaway has all of the slapped bass and funk of their previous records, mixed with Anthony Kiedis’ signature vocals and high energy, and cased within some truly superb artwork.

This is an album full of many positives, however, it cannot be seen to mark a new chapter for the Californian rockers but simply seems to continue where they left off. Red Hot Chili Peppers fans are likely to enjoy The Getaway, and it has no bad moments and many good ones, but it does not broach any new frontiers for a band that had often been thought scandalous. Songs such as their most recent single Bad Necessities stand out, with one of Flea’s famously awesome bass solos as the intro leading into a track with a spark, something setting it aside and making it catchy and enjoyable.

Similarly, many of the record’s 13 songs have enthralling aspects. In particular, the off-kilter beats the band have embraced shining through in Encore and The Hunter help present a mellower funk compared to their previously angry start to The Getaway. The use of piano further adds to this ambience, allowing the swaying lyrics to wash through the listener. It is in this respect that the Chilis seem to be most successful in this album. No one could take away their quintessential sound, but through the later, more contemplative tracks, this sound is not all that is on offer.  

Molly Lempriere
Photo: Steve Keros

The Getaway is released on the 16^th of June 2016, for further information or to order the album visit here.

Watch the video for Dark Necessities here: