A Review of Slash’s “4”

Despite reuniting with Guns N’ Roses in 2016, guitarist Slash has stayed busy creating new solo projects. On Feb. 11, he released his fourth collaboration album with touring band Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, aptly titled “4”.

This record makes history as the first release from the new Gibson Record Label and who better to kick off the label than one of Gibson’s most prominent users?

The album features the blues rock sound the band has adopted over their past three records, yet it also harkens back to Slash’s Guns N’ Roses days before his initial departure in 1996.

The album opener, “The River Is Rising,” was also released as the first single on Oct. 22, 2021. This song is reminiscent of Slash’s old days as it features Guns N’ Roses grit, which the guitarist became known for throughout the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

Although Myles Kennedy does not have the same range as Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose, it sounds like he possesses the same grit and power behind his voice throughout this album.

While the album opener feels inspired by Guns N’ Roses, the album’s other 10 songs feature many different sounds that reflect  back on guitarists of yester-year.

The fifth track on the album, “Actions Speak Louder Than Words,” features these sounds. Make no mistake, this is Slash playing guitar, but the guitar tone he uses reminisces songs like “Spanish Castle Magic” and “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix.

Throughout the record, the Conspirators get their chance to shine as well, especially Brent Fitz who plays the drums.

The second track, “Whatever Gets You By,” opens with a heavy drum groove. To me, this groove is similar to something John Bonham would play on Led Zeppelin tracks such as “When the Levee Breaks” and “Kashmir.”

But the guitar is perhaps the main reason people enjoy this record. Each of the album’s 10 songs are very guitar-dominated. Tracks like “April Fool” and the closer, “Fall Back to Earth,” showcase heavy guitar tones. 

While “4” is a solid album, it is not to be loved by everyone. Hard rock and heavy metal are generally divisive genres. In my opinion, if you are a heavy metal fan or a Slash or Guns N’ Roses fan, the album is definitely worth checking out.

However, if your music tastes fall towards indie, pop or new wave, this album may not be for you. And if you are not a fan of heavily distorted guitars, this is definitely not the album for you.

Overall, I would rank this as a “middle of the road” album compared to Slash’s other projects; incomparable to Slash’s Snakepit days, but quite better than some of the guitarist’s other collaborations with Myles Kennedy and much better than his 2010 self-titled solo album (those who know, know).

Starting in March, Slash will begin touring in an effort to promote this new record with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. Upon his return, Slash will begin rehearsals with Guns N’ Roses, with whom he will tour for the rest of the year.