I’m With You reviewed in Rock Sound Magazine

I’m With You – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rock Sound Magazine Review.

Transcript
Arguably, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ stratospheric popularity has placed somewhat of a creative barrier around them; any drastic departure from their mixture of rock and funk is a disservice to fans; though, conversly, they invented such a pioneering signature sound that they can add to or edit it at will. They do the latter on their 10th record, demonstrated right from opener ‘Monarchy of Roses’, which layers a fast-paced dance beat and electronic instrumentation over the top of Flea’s characteristic bass lines and Anthony Kiedis’ unmistakeable vocals.

As well as developing this direction throughout its 14 tracks, the record introduces new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer (who replaced John Frusciante in 09), who also multi-tasks as keyboardist on the record; sensibly, his solos and riffs mostly avoid the complex fretwork that defined Frusciante’s playing.

There’s a familiar funk-inspired sound on ‘Ethiopia’ and ‘Look Around’ – but when placed alongside songs like ‘Even You Brutus?’ and ‘Did I Let You Know’, which are a creative reach, you wonder if they only made the album out of duty to expectation. Overall, ‘I’m With You’ represents both a continuation of their form and a new direction – which is more characteristic of classic RHCP than ever. [7/10] Amy Bangs, Rock Sound Magazine

Thanks to KingChiliPepper for the scan and transcript.