REVIEW: Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators – ‘4’

by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash is back with his new solo album titled ‘4’. This release is his fifth solo album and fourth with Slash Ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators. This year marks ten years since the band’s debut ‘Apocalyptic Love’. The new album will mark the first-ever release on the new Gibson Records label and is out on February 11th 2022. The band got to lay down the tracks live for this album, a first for the band and Slash. Recording live the way they did, was something Slash had always wanted to do, and producer Dave Cobb finally made this a reality at the famous RCA Studio A in Nashville, Tennessee. These factors add to the anticipation and excitement of ‘4’, a pivotal album for the band and the label.

The opening track ‘The River Is Rising’ hooks you immediately with its strong melodies and bouncy rapid riffs. Myles Kennedy’s passionate vocals act as the perfect match against Slash’s guitar work and The Conspirators yet again, keeping energy high and with a dazzling solo, you couldn’t ask for a better start. From the off, you get a sense of the fun and freedom they all had especially given that that was the first time they were all recording together in a long time due to covid and getting to record live.

‘Whatever Gets You By’ brings some heavy funky riffs and low deep tones in contrast to the opener but is brimming with swagger and features a soulful and striking solo. While the infectiously catchy ‘C’est la vie’ will get you moving to its grooves, the meaning of ‘that’s life’ is delivered in a positive, fun way.

The powerful and tuneful ‘The Path Less Followed’ is another memorable liberating track, with Slash’s dynamic and stylish solo propelling it further. They all get to strut their stuff in ‘Actions Speak Louder Than Words’, kicking off with unique distorted trippy riffs and featuring a classic rock blues sound throughout. The intriguing exotic-sounding ‘Spirit Love’ with the use of a Sitar, keeps things diverse with its heavy shimmering riffs.

Myles gets to show off his capabilities further with his delicate soft vocals in the verses of ‘Fill My World’, which is very emotive and carried further by the resonant vibrant riffs to accompany. The guitar solo is slick and uplifting, this is a must-hear rock anthem that delivers on all fronts. The hard-hitting ‘April Fool’ is highly melodic with energetic riffs and a powerful solo, and it will be hard to get out of your head. The hot-blooded lively ‘Call Off The Dogs’ is one of the best tracks with its fast driven, stomping riffs and fiery fast solo.

The final song, the dramatic ‘Fall Back To Earth’ is the longest and most diverse featured and closes out in style with epic slow striking riffs, soft tender crooning verses and clever transitions. It is well structured and executed with a triumphant solo.

‘4’ is a joy to listen to from start to finish with the sense of fun captured in the live setting, with all tracks offering something different but are equally satisfying and rich. They all exude confidence which you would expect considering their musicianship and calibre, so it is no surprise the level of premium songwriting. It is a high-octane ride of five musicians having a blast and delivering a superb modern rock album.