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LYNCH MOB
"Babylon" (Frontiers;
2023)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Lynch Mob was formed out of the ashes of the band Dokken back in 1989. Since then, the band has broken up and reformed five times with numerous personnel changes with George Lynch being the only remaining member. Check out Lynch Mob’s Wikipedia page for the extensive list of people that have played in the band. I swear they've gone through as many line-up changes as a professional baseball team.
The name of the recording is "Babylon." One thing I have noticed over the years of listening to Lynch Mob is the amazing guitar work of one George Lynch. Lynch's style is tight and fun, very well done, but perfect for the kind of music they write and record. The way I rate a guitarist is how often I lose myself in the music, I forget about who is playing and concentrate on what is being played. Is George Lynch a great guitarist? Maybe not. But he is a decent guitarist that can play a decent tune and fits perfectly with the music being played.
Another thing I have noticed while listening to this recording is that it's a good recording with solid rock and catchy, relatable tunes. I don't think George is going to put out any music that makes him or his brand look bad. Like I said, "Babylon" is good but not great.
For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/lynchmobrocks.
"Smoke and
Mirrors" (Frontiers; 2009)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Lynch Mob got its start way back in 1990 after the
band’s namesake, George Lynch, exited Dokken. Lynch Mob’s first effort,
featuring vocalist Oni Logan, was the exciting “Wicked Sensation.” After that,
each new Lynch Mob album featured a new vocalist – not counting the relatively
obscure “SyGyZy” demo which included Oni Logan on vocals once again; this is not
the best situation for continuity -- not to mention the rise of grunge and rap
in the early to mid-‘90s -- that put this particular style of music on its
virtual and near-literal deathbed.
There’s a lot to be said for nearly two decades of maturity strictly in the
musical sense. Over the intervening two decades, Lynch has fought creative
battles with his muse and attempts to incorporate contemporary sounds into his
music. Lynch Mob albums, with one notable exception, strove to incorporate more
grit and blues into the music as compared to Dokken. Lynch’s solo efforts,
especially the covers album “Furious George,” probably did more than any other
musical endeavor that has led him to this point of his musical life. As such,
Lynch Mob skips over some of the pop-metal leanings of the late-80’s Dokken
albums and early-90s Lynch efforts for a more traditional rock sounds and
styles.
On “Smoke and Mirrors,” Lynch’s playing is solid and his lead work sounds
energetic and inspired. There’s no doubting Lynch’s expertise on the six-string
– he’s proved it time and time again and “Smoke and Mirrors” is no exception.
Lynch, as the main songwriter, blends metal, hard rock, and blues in his own
indomitable manner. Logan’s voice is strong and prominently (and proudly) bears
the scars of a weathered life. I can’t believe it’s been nearly twenty years,
but it’s nice to hear Logan’s rich voice again. Veteran bassist Marco Mendoza
and relatively unknown drummer Soct Coogan make a formidable rhythm section that
keeps it simple and
direct without losing sight of flourishes that make the songs stronger.
Standout tracks include disc opener “21st Century Man,” shred-fest “Time
Keepers,” and the numerous slow-burning tracks that show more soul than metal
histrionics. That said, Lynch Mob is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea – my
rating reflects my general appreciation for Lynch’s skills and specifically the
band’s successful approach on “Smoke and Mirrors.”
“Smoke and Mirrors” was produced by Lynch Mob with
assistance from Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen.
Lynch Mob is Oni Logan on vocals, George Lynch on guitars, Mark Mendoza on bass,
and Scot Coogan on drums.
For more information visit
http://www.myspace.com/lynchmobrocks.
"Smoke This" (Koch
Records; 1999)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Whoo-hooo! Lynch Mob is back. Well, kinda, sorta.
When I first heard that George Lynch and his new band were going to write and perform "rap-metal," my heart sunk. Despite the success of Limp Bizkit and Korn, this particular genre of music has never really appealed to me. So when I finally got a copy of "Smoke This," the new Lynch Mob CD, I wasn't expecting the thing to sound like Dokken or even earlier Lynch. I was expecting a Limp Bizkit/Korn vibe with the awesome fretwork of George Lynch thrown in for good measure.
But that isn't exactly what I got.
Instead, "Smoke This" comes off as a fresh combination of modern rap/metal, classic metal and a selection of other music genres that make for some pretty entertaining listening. No, it's not "Breakin' the Chains," or "Wicked Sensation" but it ain't bad.
The CD starts out briskly with "World Spinning Away," a guitar-heavy tune with lyrics and vocals that aren't quite hip-hop, aren't quite straightforward rock'n'roll. It's a truly balanced blend of styles that still rock the house. "Hype-O," the second track starts off with a tribal beat and heavy guitar chunk that brings to mind Soulfly, but then fades in with pure rock vocals.
Interestingly, about half the tracks on "Smoke This" lean toward this type of sound, the remainder lean heavily toward rap and hip-hop.
"Playalistics" could have come off any rap record out there, while "Relaxin' in the Land of AZ" comes very close to sounding like the bastard child of Pink Floyd, Santana and Snoop Doggy Dogg. "When I Rize" sounds like vintage Beastie Boys and "Smoke This" could have been on the last Coolio CD.
"Indra's Net" is a weird little instrumental number with the sampled phrase, "When's that old guy coming back from outer space" repeating over and over and over...
When it's all said and done, "Smoke This" is, at the very least, an interesting listen. According to his publicist, this is the music that Lynch has wanted to record for years and his comfort here would tend to prove that statement. It seems unlikely that Dokken and/or Lynch Mob fans will find "Smoke This" irresistible, but it will be interesting to see what the fans of Korn, Kid Rock et al will think of the CD.
For more information, please visit George's Lynch's site at http://www.georgelynch.com or visit Koch Records at http://www.kochentertainment.com.
"Lynch Mob" (Elektra; 1992)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
The first Lynch Mob album came out just in time for
George Lynch to show he still had staying power in the metal community. Two
years later, grunge (and, no, I will not capitalize that word), came out and
Lynch's guitar sound was considered as archaic as dial-up is today. Props for
Lynch Mob to continue on but even a three legged dog can only run so far. This
disc probably got moved from the main stay section to the dollar bin without
hesitation.
Since George Lynch was the guitar player for Dokken it's too hard for him to
change his style and this disc sounds like a Dokken recording. The voice changed
from Oni Logan to Robert Mason who has gone on to become a hired voice for Ratt
and Warrant. The guitar playing is not as raw as "Wicked Sensation" offered but
it's still good. Lynch shows a softer side on the track "Dream Until Tomorrow."
The guitar sounds a bit like something he would release on his solo disc "Sacred
Groove."
Lynch Mob does a cover of Queen's "Tie Your Mother Down" here: not something
you'd expect from a guy who's trying to distance himself from his old band.
Cover songs are usually reserved for disc three or four but Lynch does it up
right. I had to go back and listen to the original because I forgot what it
actually sounded like.
This disc is probably buried in the memory of music because at the time it was out with the old and in with the useless. Fans of Lynch should champion him on this sophomore effort, considering it's taken him more than twenty years to graduate to a chartable release.
Best tracks are, "Jungle of Love," "Tangled in the Web," "Cold is the Heart," and "I Want It."
Lynch Mob: Robert Mason - vocals; George Lynch - guitar; Anthony Esposito - bass guitar; Mick Brown - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.georgelynch.com.
"Wicked
Sensation" (Elektra; 1990)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Fans of Dokken probably knew that when George Lynch left his gravy train
it was because the lumps were too much to handle. Lynch, who battled with Don Dokken for years,
eventually split the band but he didn’t wallow in misery at all. Instead, Lynch’s hiatus allowed him to form a band, place his last name on the marquee, and flex his guitar muscles.
Although grunge came in around the time Lynch released this guitar-driven snub to rival Don
Dokken, there were still a few fans that cared about heavy metal music. Even though Lynch had staying power from his years of axe-slinging many thought he couldn’t find the backing
he needed with new bandmembers, even though Mick Brown was behind the drum kit to help
him out.
I usually follow a guitar player I admire even when they leave a band or spark up a side project because I’m loyal to their music. Lynch Mob was a welcomed
listen. Lynch is in my top ten of guitar players so when he recorded and
released this disc, I picked it up and wore a groove in a few songs.
The guitar playing is a lot nastier than I expected. I knew that Lynch could squeal each string past its point of rescue but having Oni Logan belt out tunes gave Lynch a much needed confidence to blister each solo even more.
When I get sick of all the music I have at my disposal, I dust off my guitar and cue up Mr.
Lynch. It usually takes an afternoon to get my fill, but bloody fingers need to heal.
Lynch Mob: George Lynch – guitar; Oni Logan – vocals; Anthony Esposito – bass; Mick Brown – drums.
For more information, check out http://www.georgelynch.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2023 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
