These guys all prove they still have it

Review Score: (8/10)
For starters, unavoidable comparisons to previous bands would seem to lean towards STP in the new band (maybe layered vocals have a distinct Scott Weiland sound, or just so different from Axl...), but they were also productive more recently than Guns n Roses. Overall though, Slash, Duff and Co. seem to be doing just fine.

The CD is well paced, coming out the gates with the high energy Sucker Tempo Blues, and continuing at that level save for a few ballads. My essential tracks include:

3 Big Machine features great groove, vox and overall tone. 1:56 through 2:22 at the beginning of the guitar break is the shining spot where it all comes together.

11 Slither is a great choice for a single, all cylinders going strong, and no guitarist on earth wouldn't kill for the bad ass solo at 2:43 - 3:11. Simple balls-out rock, beautiful tone, and perfectly placed after a gentle moment of peace. Vintage Slash!

12 Dirty Little Thing - Something about this song that gets me amped up. Good mix of driving verses and more melodic bridges and chorus.

Bottom Line, sure they hit a few clunkers, but overall this album delivers by exceeding all reasonable expectations. Maybe someday they can be Velvet Revolver instead of the sum of their previous parts.

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