Red Hot Chili Peppers - Catch My Death / How It Ends (2013) (8/10)

The RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS released the last three parts of their nine vinyl singles taken from the "I'm With You" sessions at the same date at the end of July 2013 which I happened to find rather strange as these releases felt a little bit rushed. That's a little bit sad because all of the last three vinyl releases show us some great efforts and songs by the unique Californian Crossover band.

"Catch My Death" is a laid back track with Psychedelic Rock influences and a dominant retro touch reminding us of rock music in the sixties. The rhythm section is solid without taking too much space and we have a few decent symphonic keyboard patterns in the song. The inspired guitar play and the engaged vocals make this song shine. Especially the harmonic chorus with its mysterious background vocals stands out as a highlight. Only the slightly discordant and imperfect ending doesn't seem to fit to the rest.

"How It Ends" fits into the same category and can be described as retro Psychedelic Rock with an outstanding guitar play, fresh vocals and very well done back vocals as well. Sometimes, it even feels as if the brilliant JOHN FRUSCIANTE was still singing but one doesn't even miss him for a second because Josh Klinghoffer's guitar play is creative, emotional and technically impressive. The middle part is a little bit heavier and engaging which comes as a fresh surprise. Some parts of the song remind me of a mixture of "The Zephyr Song" and maybe "Parallel Universe." Once again, the ending is not so well done and ends too abruptly in my opinion just as one was about to expect another chorus or a creative way to bring the whole thing to an end.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS fans can't get around this release. It's among the better vinyl singles but not the best. Now, there are only two more to come to complete this beautiful collection of imaginative songs that sadly didn't make it on any regular record.

(Online August 30, 2013)