Metal Hammer - Snakepit Review 1995

Metal Hammer - February 1995
by Jerry Ewing

Slash's Snakepit - It's Five O'clock Somewhere (review)

JESUS! What on earth has happened to Eric Dover's vocals? When this guy fronted the excellent Jellyfish, his voice had an angelic clarity that carried much of their bubblegum rock into the realms of the gods. But here he's screeching away a la Axl, and any initial hopes of something special are simply lost.
        Yes, this may be the solo album from Slash, the guitarist with one of the world's greatest rock acts, but that in itself is no guarantee that it's gonna be any good!
        There's no denying that the man is a great guitar player, but the sleazy, downtrodden blues hard rock that permeates 'It's Five O'clock Somewhere' neither breaks new ground nor is particularly earth-shattering in its delivery.
        This is an adequate hard rock album. None of the songs, from the GN'R groove of 'Neither Can I', to the vaguely Black Crowes trip of 'Beggars & Hangers-On' or the Aerosmith-style riffing on 'Doin' Fine' come close to matching the brilliance of 'Appetite For Destruction' (something even Slash's parent band have yet to do). And whilst 'I Hate Everybody (But You)' may sound like a great song, the finished version is sadly lacking.
        Plus points go to the rollicking 'Dime Store Rock', and maybe for the powerful riffing of 'What Do You Want To Be' as Slash tears a few strips off his trusty Gibson, but overall the material isn't strong enough and the performances (Slash aside) just aren't up to scratch.
        Whether this is a taster for the future or a one-off while GN'R continue their seemingly never-ending breather we shall have to wait and see. But the fact of the matter remains that Gilby Clarke, the man unceremoniously booted out of the band last year, is the only one who's delivered the goods outside or the Gunners themselves.