The Red Hot Chili Peppers are anxiously trying not to sound predictable ★★★☆☆

Part two of the harvest of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ unbridled creativity. The album was released in March Unlimited Love, with guitarist John Frusciante back in his old place after ten years. The Red Hot Chili Peppers had already made so many songs that there were seventeen songs Return of the Dream Canteen could at the back.

The old fashioned groovy opener Tippa My Tonguewith Sly Stone quote, is hopeful. Afterlife show again what the Peppers are so good at: convincing pop rock with a loose, funky slant. But for the most part, it seems like the band is jealously trying not to sound predictable. Rhythm guitar exercises are forcibly alternated with metal hits, weird chord progressions and at least three key changes in each song. What was true for Unlimited Love also applies to return: the music is very clever, but it rarely happens within the confines of a good, memorable song.