Once upon a time the Red Hot Chili Peppers were the ultimate in super dumb, super macho, pumped up, pec pulsing, punk funk. Their now legendary penchant for wearing socks on their cocks and spouting sexist locker-room drivel for shock value has all but disappeared. Now the only shocking thing, aside from the fact that they're still alive, is their decision to grow old gracefully.
Their previous incarnation culminated in the globe straddling, genre busting, mega-platinum unit shifter 'Blood Sugar Sex Magic'. Since then everything they've committed to tape has become increasingly understated, living in the shadow of what is widely perceived as their aforementioned career defining moment. They even seemed to have lost the all-important ingredient that made them stand out - the funk.
Luckily on 'By The Way' it's been replaced with genuine emotion and - whisper it - maturity. Underpinned throughout by the kind of melancholic edge discovered on radio friendly ode to smack 'Under The Bridge', and punctuated by a spontaneous, back-to-basics feel it's an album that sees the Chilis revitalised. In fact being a little longer in the tooth suits them just fine.
Aside from single 'By The Way' Anthony Keidis' trademark stuttering raps are replaced by a soulful, emotive croon backed up by some delicate, reach for the skies harmonising. There's a touch of acoustic calypso ('Cabron'), sorrowful horns ('Tear'), haunting pedal steel ('Warm Tape') and even some summery, string laden cosmic pop ('Universally Speaking'). The lachrymose balladry of 'Dosed' and spiralling psychedelia of 'This Is The Place' being two of their finest moments.
With 16 tracks clocking in at over 70 minutes there is the odd duff moment but that aside this is a gentle but triumphant return. No longer burning red hot, in their old age the Chili Peppers are benefiting from a warm glow.
