Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Getaway (2LP)

Since the band first attracted attention 32 years ago with their self-titled debut, they have released ten longplayers to date. The Chili Peppers have worked with producer legend Rick Rubin on the last six. All of them landed in the top five of the American album charts. In 2016, however, it was time for a change. A no less legendary personality now took his place behind the mixing desk: rock and rap producer Danger Mouse, who has already worked for The Black Keys, Beck and the Gorillaz and most recently mixed the new Adele album. He was supported by long-time Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, who plays together with bassist Flea in the art rock supergroup Atoms for Peace. But anyone expecting a musical 180-degree turn is wrong. The unmistakable Chili Peppers funk-rock mix is also at the forefront on "The Getaway". Nevertheless, a fresh breeze is blowing on the new album, as the first single release, "Dark Necessities", proves. The funky guitar, groovy drums and slap bass are now joined by a piano. Coupled with a light and airy chorus, Anthony, Flea, Chad and Josh paint a surprisingly poppy picture here. Overall, "The Getaway" is a continuation of "I'm With You" from 2011. For 30 years, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have perfected their typical Californian funk rock sound time and time again. And they are not stopping there in 2016. "The Getaway" is an album that does a lot of things differently, but remains RHCP at its core.