That's right kids, I'm back to share my thoughts and fuzzy feeling about Velvet Revolver's sophomore release "Libertad." I, for one, was pretty stoked to hear about the new CD, it's been three years since "Contraband" and we've been waiting four times as long for Axel to quit teasing us and release "Chinese Democracy." So, that being said, let's jump right into it.
Velvet Revolver is what defines the term "supergroup", this is the second release from this band and they sound like they've spent their garage days together. Only time will tell if Scott Weiland will be able to keep hold of what Axel Rose once let go. This is one of those few CD's you can turn on and not skip over too many tracks to get to what you like. The band showcases what truly makes them rock gods. "Let It Roll" is what kicks the whole thing off, it's a strong start to the album with a groove similar to "Dirty Little Thing" off the debut release. "She Mine" is what takes you back to the sound of Stone Temple Pilots with contrasting drum rhythms and guitar rhythms. "She Builds Quick Machines", the first single of the CD, is an infectious, straight-forward rock song. Hook wise, this is the "Slither" for the album, this is one of those songs that when you hear Velvet Revolver or "Libertad", this is the song you'll immediately play back mentally. "Just Sixteen" has got those Slash-esque guitar leads and fill-ins, the transitions are smooth and this is just an overall catchy song. Now, ten tracks into this album, we reach a cover song, a version of ELO's song "Can't Get It Out of My Head." And you're probably thinking the same thing I was, "ELO? Why in the world are they covering that?" Slash and company take this song and make it there's, and if I didn't know better, I'd believe that the gang wrote this one themselves. Finally, "Gravedancer" finishes out this 'Mona Lisa of Modern Rock,' the only thing that one can think when hearing the main riffs in this song are "Fall to Pieces." This song is a dark ballad but puts a good final spin on a final track.
This release gives us what we loved about "Contraband," solid, all-out dirty rock. The band is honestly one of the last of a dying breed, it's rare that a rock band can put together an album that you can listen from beginning to end without wanting to skip ahead. This makes them a standard in modern rock music, but we can't expect anything less from that's made from the better part of Guns 'N Roses and Stone Temple Pilots. I only took a quick look at six of the songs off this CD, so I highly encourage any fan of Velvet Revolver or good rock music to give this album a good listen.
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