John Frusciante is back after 16 years on record with Red Hot Chili Peppers. Director Rick Rubin too, after handing over the controls to Danger Mouse for The Getaway. The conditions were met for the group from Los Angeles to offer an album that goes in search of lost time, that is to say in search of its superb past.
Posted at 9:30 a.m.
Unlimited Love is Red Hot Chili Peppers’ softest album by far. On more than half of the songs, Anthony Kiedis sings very softly, bringing to light a background of sadness that the groove from the beginnings of the group masked. And when the pace picks up, Flea’s pounding bass and Chad Smith’s expressive playing bring relief, without really propelling the songs.
The return of John Frusciante may well bring textures, melodies, dynamics to the songs and even a rock energy to the record, we are finally left unsatisfied. Half of the 17 songs ofUnlimited Love – which lasts almost 75 minutes – tends towards the ballad, which does not help. On the other hand, we retain a piece that stands out: Aquatic Mouth Dance, groovy at will and pushed by brass instruments.
This 12and Los Angeles band’s album is not a shipwreck. Not tripative reunions either. Red Hot Chili Peppers sounds like Red Hot Chili Peppers… at the turn of the 2000s. Minus the spark.
Rock
Unlimited Love
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Warner