Review | Lynch Mob ‘Smoke and Mirrors’
Wicked Sensation
In 1990 guitar wizard George Lynch and his new band, ‘Lynch Mob’ released their debut album, ‘Wicked Sensation.’ Lynch introduced the rock music world to a little known but amazing singer named, Oni Logan. Along with Anthony Esposito on bass and Mick Brown on drums, the band put out an album full of guitar driven hard rock music that was very impressive. For what ever reason, bad timing, the ever changing world of rock music, poor record sales, or whatever forces of evil effects these things, Lynch Mob would not put out a second album with this line up.
After a second Lynch Mob record with vocalist Robert Mason did nothing as far as sales and popularity, Lynch put his band on hold and in 1994 re-joined his former band Dokken for a brief run of new records and touring. In 1997 old tensions were back between Dokken and Lynch, so George was out of Dokken once again.
Lynch attempted to re-unite Lynch Mob with the original line up, including Logan, but the recording sessions only yielded three songs and Logan left the band again.
After numerous incarnations of Lynch Mob, collaborations with other musicians, and solo work, in 2008 Lynch embarked on a tour with a reformed Lynch Mob featuring original singer Oni Logan, bassist Marco Mendoza and drummer Tommy Aldridge.
This brings us to 2009 and the release of the new Lynch Mob album, ‘Smoke and Mirrors.’ Regarding the new record Lynch commented,
“We weren’t sure what was going to happen,” recalls George, “but as soon as I heard what Oni was coming up with just off the top of his head, I knew the old chemistry was still there.”
Was it ever, this is the album that should have been the follow up to ‘Wicked Sensation’ in a way it is, just 19 years later. Was it worth the wait? I don’t know about that, but I do know this is a solid record.
Smoke and Mirrors
George Lynch is a true guitar virtuoso, a masterful technician that has honed his craft to perfection, the guy can flat out play. He is not just all about speed, but can shred with the best of them. He uses everything in his arsenal to create powerful riffs, heavy chords, tasty licks, and amazing solos on this record.
Somehow when certain musicians come together they have this uncanny ability to write incredible music, it’s like some unexplained force. Logan and Lynch posses this magic and it’s evident throughout ‘Smoke and Mirrors.’
I don’t know much about Oni Logan other than he was born in Argentina, raised in the US, has had a more off than on career in the rock music business, and is currently the vocalist for Lynch Mob, but man can he sing. His vocals, a bit more matured, are still worthy of fronting this hard rockin’ band. Rather than sing full throat throughout this record he mixes it up a bit with different styles and techniques, making for an enjoyable listen.
The song writing of both Lynch and Logan could be considered safe and somewhat predictable on this record, not taking any real chances, which to me is a good thing because I always wanted to hear the follow up to ‘Wicked Sensations’ and this album delivers.
There are plenty of rockers on ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ like, ’21st Century Man’ ‘Time Keeper,’ ‘We Will Remain,’ and my favorite, ‘Let the Music be Your Master,’ which has an amazing middle section were the rhythm section of Marco Mendoza (bass) and Scot Coogan (drums) lay down a groove to which Lynch performs his guitar wizardry, this song gave me chills when I heard it.
All in all ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ will not disappoint if you were a fan of the first Lynch Mob record and will be a nice addition to your ipod and will mix in well with rest of your hard rock and heavy metal music, it does on mine.
Rating: 3-1/2 Stars out of 5
Favorite Track: Let The Music Be Your Master
5 Responses to “Review | Lynch Mob ‘Smoke and Mirrors’”
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I was 9 years old when I started playing guitar. I really don’t remember why had interest in the guitar but my parents signed me up for classical guitar lessons.
I really love the Neo-Classical progressive rock probably because of my classical roots.
Other guitarists I like: Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore, Yngwie, Tony Macalpine, Al Di Meola.
I agree, ‘Wicked Sensation’ is an awesome record. What other guitarist do you like? Who influenced you to pick up the guitar?
I think “smoke and mirrors” is a very good record. I still feel that “wicked sensation” was his best! Thanks for comment on my George Lynch attempt!
Nice guitar work Jeff, man you can really play. What do you think of the new Lynch Mob record?
In my dreams