I Don’t Feel Well
ORG, 2020
9/10
The guitar player for Red Hot Chili Peppers until just recently, this primarily solo endeavor, Pluralone (pronounced ‘plural one’) has Josh Klinghoffer taking help from members of RHCP, Jane’s Addiction, and Dot Hacker to help flesh out these 10 brand new and original tunes.
“Red Don’t Feel” starts the album with fluid percussion, expressive singing and, of course, proficient guitar work as plenty of emotion is presented, and “The Night Won’t Scare Me” follows with a soulful quality to the dreamy alt-rock where Klinghoffer’s vocals emit much beauty amid the strategic keys.
Halfway through, strings and keys enter the soft, sublime climate of “Steal You”, while “Mother Nature” builds quickly into an anthemic landscape of gritty yet melodic alt-rock. “Knowing You” then segues into powerful, retro inspired sounds that comes with plenty of atmosphere that almost seems like Klinghoffer’s version of R&B.
As we approach the end, the tense “Don’t Have To” is an intimate dip into piano balladry, and “I Hear You” showcases Klinghoffer’s versatile pipes and mature piano playing where violin, viola and double bass contribute to the cautious and stirring finish.
An artist who has been involved with some really extraordinary music (he’s also played with PJ Harvey, Beck and Gnarls Barkley), I don’t feel like I’m in the minority when I say that Klinghoffer’s best work is happening right now at the onset of his solo career, as evidenced by this remarkable album.
Travels well with: Dot Hacker- Inhibition; The Flaming Lips- King’s Mouth Music And Songs