The Lynch Mob Finally Returns!
Annette M. Cordova | 10/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's been 20 long years since we last saw or heard of the "real" Lynch Mob. A lot has gone on with George Lynch ever since the highly under-rated 1990 Debut Album: "Wicked Sensation" was released. That album featured the unique vocals of "Oni Logan", George Lynch playing at his prime, Anthony Esposito running the bass at his best, and "Wild" Mick Brown of Dokken with the Mob, just kicking it and making a rocking record. After that album was released, due to alchohol problems, Oni was kicked out of the band soon after the "Wicked Sensation" Tour and George moved on with "Robert Mason" who although was very good, didn't really have the chemestry that Oni and George had on that first album.
After a Dokken reunion, and a load of solo albums and albums titled with the "Lynch Mob" name that didn't really give it justice, George Lynch has finally given the fans what they've wanted for so long, yes, he's back with Oni Logan at the lead and man, just listening to all these tracks shows that the chemistry is clearly back and rocking as hard as ever.
I'm not going to bother reviewing every track, as "All" and I mean "All" the tracks on this album are either very amazing or "Exceptional". But, I will give you the highlights that will just hit you in the face from the moment you hear it.
21st Century Man: Wow, you know that feeling you get when you're at a concert and the band is finally going to come out, and next thing you know they come out and the hairs on the back of your neck stick up? you'll get that feeling immediately after you pop this disc in. The Track Rocks from Top to Bottom and Lynch is almost trying to tell you that he's going to rock you're ear drums.
Smoke and Mirrors: This bluesy title track is just amazing.
My Kind Of Healer: almost like a "Wicked Sensation" Part 2, awesome.
Time Keepers: to me, this is the Magnum-Opus of the album, just heavy and chugging with an exceptional solo from Lynch.
The Phacist: almost like a Lost Dokken Track.
Madly Backwards: Has a Thin-Lizzy 70's Rock N' Roll Vibe that just rocks.
We Will Remain: almost, like a Yngwie Malmsteen meets George Lynch sounding track, awesome.
overall, that was just the highlights...all the songs are amazing and rocking.
If you thought George Lynch has kinda lost it in the last few years (album wise), this album will make you think twice before ever thinking that again.
The Lynch Mob Are Back and Taking No Prisoners!
"
Smokin' album
wizey | Margate, Tasmania, Australia | 02/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having never heard anything of George Lynch since his departure from Dokken in the late 80's other than when he came back for the brief Dokken reunion in the 90's, I didn't know what to expect with this one. I was a big fan of Dokken in the 80's, but after their first three albums I don't think they ever reached the same level again. I always put it down to Don Dokkens deteriorating voice and an the impact of grunge music on metal, but obviously I missed the greater point - George Lynch. Don't be fooled into thinking Dokken comparisons though because this album is a different kettle of fish altogether. Rather than big catchy hooks, mesmerizing guitar solos and high range singing, "Smoke And Mirrors" is more an album of rocking tunes that are big on riffs, groove and bluesy swagger.
The album packs the best 1-2 punch of the year in my opinion with the great opening rocker "21st Century Man" followed by the ultra-cool bluesy title track "Smoke And Mirrors". These songs are both so good that I can't decide which one I like best. I'm not convinced that as far as album sequencing goes "Lucky Man" should come next. A slower paced rocker with weaker lyrics, I think it's probably one of the weakest songs on the album, yet it has grown on me with more listening. Luckily the following rocker "My Kind Of Healer" has more balls and is a welcome return to that bluesy swagger, but I can't help thinking it would have been a better choice for track 3 to give the album that triple punch opening that could have blown people away.
"Time Keepers" is more metal with intensity mixed with a great groove which results in a cool vibe. "Revolution Heroes" brings back the swagger again, and while it isn't as good as the bluesy songs previously mentioned, it's still a good song. "Let The Music Be Your Master" is another of my favotites. One of the longer songs on the album it also is a great mix of a more metal sound with a great groove which really jams for a while in the middle of the song. Then when you add the great rocker "The Phacist" (probably the one which sounds closest to old school Dokken), the very catchy and cool mid paced rocker "Where Do You Sleep At Night" and the great album closer "Before I Close My Eyes" you can't help but realize that you have a damn fine album on your hands, despite a couple of average songs in "Madly Backwards" and "We Will Remain" (of which the former is the better). "Mansions In The Sky" is a bonus track and whilst nothing special it isn't too bad.
A great collection of well written and performed songs here but it's the overall sound that really does it for me. The band sound like they really gel, and it sounds raw and a little bit loose while sounding clear and polished at the same time which few bands manage to achieve successfully. Packed full of groove, riffs, solos and bluesy swagger, it's right up my alley and a real smokin' album.
"
3 out of 5
Stan the RV Man | Nationwide | 12/04/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Lynch Mob's newest isn't great and it isn't terrible.
It's middle of the road all the way around. I like George but it seems his better days are behind him.
Songs, performances, are all lack luster. They don't suck but sound very uninspired.
Also seems like he's forgotten that it's 2009. It's a solid effort but not what I'd hoped for."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1