The latest release by guitar virtuoso George Lynch and his band LYNCH MOB entitled “Smoke & Mirrors” not only marks the first studio album for the band in almost a decade (that is, of course, unless you count the 2003 release “REvolution” which was more of a RE-recording of old material), but also the return of original lead vocalist Oni Logan. It’s not a “true” reunion album as original bassist Anthony Esposito and DOKKEN drummer “Wild” Mick Brown have been replaced by Marco Mendoza and Scott Coogan but nevertheless, with Logan back at the helm and Lynch still as ripping and inventive as ever, ““Smoke & Mirrors” delivers the goods in exuberant fashion.
Wasting no time, the CD opens up in classic LYNCH MOB style with the energetic “21st Century Man.” This potent rocker features Logan using that mono/ echoey effect during the verse leading into a strong, melodic chorus with a vibe similar to that of something you would hear by THE CULT, a creative bridge and, of course, Lynch’s electrifying rhythm and fills.
The title track “Smoke & Mirrors” is a bit more laid back with a bluesier and somewhat “Southern- Rock” kind of feel to it, ala BADLANDS. “Lucky Man” is a great follow up… still with that more “laid-back” feel, it reminds me a bit of a late 70’s/ early 80’s composition with a “spicy” guitar solo.
“My Kind Of Healer” is just great! An up-tempo rocker which sounds like it could have been an outtake from the bands 1990 “Wicked Sensation” debut. Then get ready to crank up those stereos as “Time Keepers” jets out of your speakers with a vengeance!
This is an aggressive, heavy tune featuring some of Lynch’s best solos and fills on the release and is guaranteed to satisfy the edgiest of appetites.
“Revolution Hero” is another strong arrangement which again reverts back to that whole “Wicked Sensation” kind of vibe. This is followed up by one of my favorites on the release “Let The Music Be Your Master.” I guess the best way I can describe this slower, grittier number is that the melody to the verse sounds a bit like Prince’s “Sign O’ The Times” (as strange as that may seem) with Lynch’s heavy guitar riffs laid over it. Very cool track with layers of guitars and really seems to showcase Logan’s vocals.
The high-energy, blood pumping rhythm of “The Fascist” is another excellent, excellent track sporting another effective chorus and almost reminds me of something by MR. BIG in its vocal style and arrangement. Then “Where Do You Sleep At Night” slows it down again with that bluesier, more 70’s feel and another tasty guitar break while “Madly Backwards” again turns it up a notch but still has that mid-70’s kind of vibe to it comparative of something along the lines of T-REX.
Then finally surging through your speakers and rounding off the release is the shredding “We Will Remain” and the most commercial sounding track on the release “Before I Close My Eyes.” This pseudo-ballady rocker again has that whole MR. BIG feel to it and is easily the most “radio-friendly” track on the release. These finish off the regular release but if you’re lucky enough to grab a copy with the bonus track “Mansions In The Sky,” you’ll be very pleased with this darker, haunting melody as a CD ender.
“Smoke & Mirrors” is another feather in the cap of this living guitar legend. But don’t get me wrong, although guitarists will get more than their fill of George’s aggressive melodies, inventive solos and tasty licks, while it is a “George Lynch project,” the inclusion of Logan, Coogan and Mendoza who all get their chance to shine at one point or another make this more of a group effort instead of just another guitarists “ego-feeding.” Great job all around and I hope to get a chance to catch them live sometime this fall.
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Band Lineup:
- Oni Logan : Lead Vocals/ Guitar
- George Lynch : Guitar
- Scott Coogan : Drums
- Marco Mendoza : Bass/ Vocals
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Track Listing:
21st Century Man
Smoke & Mirrors
Lucky Man
My Kind Of Healer
Time Keeper
Revolution Hero
Let The Music Be Your Master
The Fascist
Where Do You Sleep At Night
Madly Backwards
We Will Remain
Before I Close My Eyes
Mansions In The Sky (Bonus Track)
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