By Evan Fleischer

   There is recent hope in what seems like a perpetual on-off-relationship between California rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and their guitarist John Frusciante. The Red Hot Chili Peppers announced Frusciante’s return to the band in December 2019 and managed to pump out their first single as newly welded group, “Black Summer,” this past Friday. Along with the new release, the band announced their upcoming studio album, Unlimited Love, set to drop on April 1^st.

   “Black Summer” begins with Frusciante’s signature Fender Stratocaster tone as he strums the opening chords. He is soon accompanied by Flea’s energetic bass work, and Anthony Kiedis’ unusual vocals. Kiedis’ vocal pronunciation can best be described as a personal twist on an Irish accent. It is a bit confusing as Kiedis has never used this accent in any of his earlier work, and it distracts listeners from the actual music and lyricism in the song. Yet, listeners also hear return Frusciante’s backing vocals in the song’s chorus, providing a hint of nostalgia among Kiedis’ enthusiastic vocals.

   Unlimited Love is set to be the band’s first release since 2016, and their first album featuring Frusciante in 16 years. With world-renowned producer Rick Rubin behind the mixing board, the promised 17-track record should have potential as one of the best rock albums of the year. In a press release about the record, the band commented, “Each of the songs on our new album Unlimited Love, is a facet of us, reflecting our view of the universe. This is our life’s mission… The ocean has gifted us a mighty wave and this record is the ride that is the sum of our lives. Thank you for listening, we hope you enjoy it.”