Contraband
easily has to be one of the most industry hyped rock releases
of the year. Built around some of hard rocks largest superstars
and with incredibly huge anticipation waiting its release,
Velvet Revolver seemed as if to be a fans dream comes true.
Brandishing some of the most dangerous artists including
the likes of Scott Weiland, Duff McKagan, and Slash further
push the beliefs that this band will reach some sort of
epic proportional level of success. With rock n roll at
a virtual stand still in the area of originality and true
angst, one would think a band like Velvet Revolver could
put a big jump start at a time so lacking in un-contrived
real back to basics rock. Well Contraband is every thing
expected and maybe more.
With a lethal concoction of the corrosive riffs of legendary
axe slinger Slash and the raw melody of one of rocks true
front men Scott Weiland, Velvet Revolver packs a mean punch
to say the least. Undeniably tracks like “Slither”,
“Set Me Free”, and “Big Machine”
easily capture the pure chemistry and revived spark that
breaths hard thru Contraband. Other hard hitting tracks
like the potent “Superhuman” and “Illegal
i Song” are simply diamonds in the rough proving these
guys are still capable of writing true down and dirty rock
anthems. The biggest surprise would have to be the obvious
instant classic of the very self exposing power ballad “Falling
to Pieces”. This dreamy arena gem easily shows the
best of what song writing talents theses seasoned veterans
can bring to the table.
Mixing traditional riff rock with a tinge of raw abrasive
punk rock Velvet Revolver unleash a fire that reaches an
inferno of a blaze and slowly ignites fully into the wild
fire that fans were so desperate to have. Where some songs
indulge the listener with an almost intoxicating feeling
to them many others seem to sound oh so reminiscent of their
earlier efforts in their past. Almost sounding like S.T.P.
with Slash playing leads Velvet Revolver gives fans of both
acts an easily likable substitute from their well worn classics
of the recent past. Loud's where Contraband really shines
giving the listener a true to form, volume on ten real rock
experience. Crank it up!!
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