For now though, it's me and the boys from California!
I'm not really certain how to start this review so I might as well just come out and say it.
I loved this album.
I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did and still do but I really, really liked the majority of The Getaway. It sounded like a good Red Hot Chili Peppers album, although not a great one. If anything, it sounded like the band listened to their own greatest hits compilation (or chunks of Stadium Arcadium) to prepare for writing this one. Fortunately, the album opener/title track "The Getaway" is a perfect reflection of this with all the band's hallmarks from Anthony Kiedis' soft vocals to Flea's prominent bass. It sets up the rest of the album's tone and reminds fans who were disappointed with I'm With You that these guys were masters of their craft.
That's only the first of the tracks musically inspired by the band's back catalogue either. There's also the groovy Funk number "We Turn Red", the delicate guitar driven "The Longest Wave" and instantly catchy/personal album highlight "Goodbye Angels" that contains echoes of "Can't Stop" and "Snow [[Hey Oh]]". The first third of this album is exactly what I want from the Red Hot Chili Peppers; a healthy mix of softer songs with exceptionally crafted lyrics, held together with soulful melodies and the occasional burst of concentrated Rock.
The next third takes a little bit of a dip as the band sway more towards the Pop genre shortly before lurching back to the heavier region of Funk Rock. These aren't bad songs but compared to the earlier tracks, they're not exactly noteworthy entries in the band's career. However, it's interesting to hear songs where the band have clearly taken inspiration from a variety of modern influences, presumably thanks to new producer Danger Mouse. "Feasting On The Flowers" could almost be a Black Keys or song and "Go Robot" is easily single/music video material with its Disco rhythm and use of Gothic synth.
The final portion of the album also contains tracks clearly inspired by other bands but these appear to be straying into areas not immediately associative with RHCP. If anything, the last two tracks cross into Art Rock territory as "The Hunter" uses the piano rhythm and restrained drumming of a Supertramp or Moody Blues song, whereas "Dreams Of A Samurai" brings the album to a Psychedelic, semi-Progressive close (unintentionally borrowing heavily from "Decision/Indecision" - Atomic Rooster in the intro). Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. It was a little weird but my kind of weird; the kind of experimental that works in small doses and doesn't loiter around the entire album.
Before I summarise with closing thoughts, I should mention that Josh Klinghoffer has stepped his game up having replaced John Frusciante as guitarist five years ago. His fretwork is more in tune with the band's sound now and I reckon you could play some tracks from this album to someone who wasn't aware of the band's members without them noticing any line-up change at all, the true mark of a great replacement in an established band such as this. As for the rest of the band, they're still going strong. Anthony's vocals are still pitch perfect, Flea's bass is still one of the band's defining features (even if it does get a little self indulgent now & then) and Chad's drumming is still flawlessly tailor made for each track.
To me, this album felt like a roller coaster in reverse. Instead of starting off slow, having an exciting middle and ending on a low note, it was more like an apathy sandwich with surprisingly tasty bread. However, unlike previous RHCP albums released long after their signature hit, I feel like The Getaway lacks the same number of amazing singles and B-sides as some of their previous efforts. By The Way produced at least three instantly recognisable hits that have become staples in the band's live setlist, not to mention a selection of awesome filler tracks such as "This Is The Place" and "Midnight" and that was released about 10 years after Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Meanwhile, I feel like maybe two tracks from this album could become fan favourites depending on how well the band play them live.
I rate this album 8/10 for being a thoroughly enjoyable listen more than once and proving that the band are capable of adapting without losing their touch. Much like Megadeth's Dystopia, this is the band coming back from the brink of a fairly unpopular last album with style and substance and I would definitely recommend this to fans of Alternative Rock both old and new. In fact, if you like some Red Hot Chili Peppers songs but aren't sure if you're a fan of them or not, give this album a listen start to finish and by the end, you'll know.
COMING SOON: Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie - Volbeat review.
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