OK, so Slash may look like the man 'who ate all the pies' these days (it never did Leslie West any harm) He did lose his leg (ed) but he's nevertheless one of the last guitar heroes who has that air of 'effortless cool' about him.

For his second solo outing he's decided to stick with his touring band Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy and the rhythm section of Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns rather than go for the 'mix and match' vocalist approach deployed so successfully on his epic eponymous debut in 2010.

The result is a more cohesive affair that sees him playing where he's most comfortable, that is, behind someone happy to hold centre stage. Yes, if there's a focal point of Apocalyptic Love it's one shared equally with, if not occupied by, Kennedy.

But that's the way Slash likes it. The hat, hair and glasses aren't just there for effect, they're a shield. And what having a stable line up and someone like Kennedy up front does is to put the focus squarely on the music.

But while there's undoubtedly some great singing (Kennedy often reminds of a young Coverdale, and does a wonderful John Lydon impersonation on the punky One Last Thrill)) and there's (naturally) a plethora of magnificent guitar lines I can't say I was overwhelmed.

But Apocalyptic Love proves to be a 'slow burn' What you see is what you get with Slash - no frills, kick ass rock 'n' roll with plenty of signature guitar work. Yes, forget over inflated and pretentious Kevin Shirley produced rock, this is how it was meant to be played - with attitude.

And yes, after a few plays, it's clear, Mr Slash has done it again.

****

Review by Pete Whalley