In 2004, Velvet Revolver was formed by Slash and co. after the permanent disbanding of the popular metal band, Guns 'n' Roses. After months of writing new material, they auditioned singer Scott Weiland and gave him the job. Now 3 years later, Velvet Revolver have released their sophmore outing Libertad, and I must say that this album is much better. It doesen't sound so slapped together as if to say they all had cancer and had only a few months to live so they decided to write a last record type of thing.
Regardless, from the beginning it becomes apparent that Scott Weiland had a much bigger hand in the songwriting this time around. As the STP sound is more integrated into their sound. That's not to say that it sounds exactly like STP, or GnR for that matter. Those two sounds are well incorporated into the classic hard rock style. That being said, this album shows that there is alot of potential for this band.
Weilands singing is still as smooth as always, although it seems his lyrics, while still somewhat nonsensical and surreal, have gotten just plain weird. She bulids quick Machines is a good example of this. "She ran away to Texas, to keep away the excess." This song sounds like slither to some extent, but still manages to retain it's originality.
Slash's guitar playing feels as though there are some punk influences, as in songs like Mary Mary and Let it Roll. Of course his solo's are still complicated and seems as though he made them up on the spot. Poor Dave Kushner really doesen't need to be in the band, as Slash jus dominates over him so much that it's almost sad. Poor Dave Kushner.
All in all, this is a great album, i'm not even really a fan of VR and I think it's good. So for anyone who is a fan, or was dissapointed of Contraband like I was. I reccomend you give it a go. It's actually worth the money for a change.
