When starting on a journey — even if it's a winding one — it's important to have a particular destination in mind.

Red Hot Chili Peppers' 28-year voyage shows no signs of stopping, and the group has certainly gone a long distance from where the band started.

The band's new album — I'm With You, released last month — is indicative of the current band's changing interests. While the album lacks guitarist John Frusciante's masterful touch, the Peppers found a new sound that seems to work.

I'm With You has been a long time coming, arriving five years after the band's ninth album, the chart-topping Stadium Arcadium. The gradual dissipation of the band's early funk-rock style has resulted in the band's modern rock sound.

Despite the predictability of I'm With You, several songs still stand out, chiefly "Ethiopia," "Rain Dance Maggie" and "Brendan's Death Song."

Josh Klinghoffer, Frusciante's replacement, holds his own with founding members Flea (bass) and Anthony Kiedis (vocalist), as well as tenured drummer Chad Smith.

The dynamics between members aren't noticeable, though.

I'm With You showcases the Red Hot Chili Peppers in a playful light as the group continues on a road toward, ideally, greater success.

Vaughn Fortier-Shultz is a senior at Santa Fe High School. You can reach him at moosemanxl@gmail.com.