Slash & Co. prove on this album that American Big Rock didn't die with the dissolution of the Black Crowes.  The entire album has an urgency, groove and sleaze factor that's very reminiscent of "Appetite for Destruction" - yet without sounding dated.  The fact that Slash, Duff and Matt Sorum are G&R alumni is immediately apparent in the band's overall instrumentation, sound and production.  In fact, in many of the songs, your ears almost expect Axl's maniacal "AY-AY-AY-AY..." to come through the speakers at any second.  Weiland's melodies and vocals are also a comfortable fit for the band because they are very much in Axl territory.  As other reviewers have noted, the album only falters during the melodically weak and hook-less ballads.  This flaw inadvertently highlights Axl's genius for all things bombastic, epic and self-indulgently melodic.  It will be interesting to see if this band can follow this mostly strong debut with an equally strong sophomore effort.  In lieu of a G&R album, this is excellent work.