The Chili’s are on fire. After releasing their comeback ‘Unlimited Love’ to much success earlier this year, the band embarked on a series of shows. And now their back instantly with a new studio album entitled ‘Return Of The Dream Machine.’
Over the pandemic. It’s clear that the Chili’s wrote a plethora of material. John Frusciante returned to band after a twelve year hiatus. And their initial album with him, ‘Unlimited Love,’ reached number one on the charts earlier this year. Now, the Chili’s are immediately back. And more ‘red hot’ than they’ve been since mid 90’s. With ‘Return Of The Dream Canteen.’
The album opens with the smokin’ ‘Tip ‘O My Tongue.’ A classic, funky Chili’s track that’s sure to please old school fans. Chad Smith and Flea lay down the mega funky ‘Peace And Love.’ While the band retains its alternative vibes as a whole. The chorus of ‘Reach Out’ throws back to the Dave Navarro era of the band. While ‘Eddie’ retains major Manchester 80’s scene vibes. Melodic, yet driving. The song transcends what the Chili’s are all about in 2022. ‘Fake as Fu@k’ brings in the balladry.
‘Bella’ is hot as fuck Chili’s. Funky, sexy and more L.A. than L.A.. ‘Roulette’ retains an early 90’s ‘new wave’ vibe. But done in the signature style of the band. Catchy as all hell. ‘My Cigarette’ misses the mark a bit. But, they can’t all be zingers. Especially on an album that clocks in at 75 minutes. ‘Afterlife’ picks things right back up. With the classic funk that made the Chili’s who they are. ‘Shoot Me A Sound’ hits back at the early 2000’s indie type of vibe. ‘Handful’ has some classic jam elements. Almost a progressive ballad. If that makes any sense. ‘The Drummer’ contains some major ‘Saga’ and ‘Cobra Kai’ vibes. A driving track that inspires the protagonist to prevail.
The back end of the record begins with ‘Bag Of Grins.’ A dark a moody track that keeps the Chili’s fresh. ‘LA LA LA LA LA LA’ portray’s frontman Anthony Keidis’ ability to be sensitive. ‘Carry Me Home’ really brings in the blues full scale. Proving that the Chili’s can keep up with the legends. As well as stay relevant with a current, accessible sound. The album closes out with an rather unusual track. The enigmatic ‘In The Snow.’ A song that’s different even for the Chilis. A track that resembles Bay Area poetic recitals more than a rock song. But it works. Leaving the listener wanting more. Even though the record has already taken up an hour a fifteen minutes of the listeners time.
All in all ‘Return Of The Dream Canteen’ covers everything that the Chili’s have done over their career. The chemistry between John Frusciante and the band is back in full swing. And the future is looking bright.
