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TARA LYNCH
"Evil Enough" (Tarasuz
Records; 2018)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Tara Lynch is a guitarist, composer, vocalist and songwriter and has studied music with such legends as Steve Vai, Chad Smith, Björn Englen, Tony MacAlpine, and Derek Sherinian. In 2015, Tara was asked to write and perform guitar solos on Beyond the Labyrinth's fourth album, "The Art of Resilience." At the same time, she began writing for her own debut album, "Evil Enough."
Eventually, when all the music and lyrics were written, Tara reached out to some friends to help her record the CD. Joining Tara are some folks you migh talso recognize: Vinny Appice on drums; Mark Boals on vocals; Bjorn Englen on bass; Tony MacAlpine on keyboards; Glen Sobel on drums, Phil soussan on bass and Brent Woods on synthesizers and background vocals.
So it should come as no surprise that "Evil Enough" is a kick-ass heavy metal record with amazing musicianship throughout, especially guitar (Tara isn't nicknamed "Gui-Tara for no reason). In fact, many of the songs on "Evil Enough" are so guitar-heavy that you find yourself wondering if they're instrumentals but, in most cases, a vocalist (oftimes Ms. Lynch hereself) kicks in.
There are two things that especially impress me on this CD: 1) Tara easily holds her own with the master musicians listed above and 2) She never lets herself grandstand. Every guitar part is exactly what the songs needs. There's no unnecessary flashy guitar work here.
Each of the songs is a solid rocker in the vein of Dio or Saxon or the like, with irresistible melodies and killer solos. There is the token "ballad" as such - the interestingly spelled "Kringeworthy," with its soulful guitars and slower-paced rhythm. My personal favorite track is "Gui-Tara Rises," a devastatingly heavy instrumental track that could be used as part of the soundtrack for an upcoming Godzilla movie.
"Evil Enough" works from beginning to end thanks to the level of musicianship involved, the quality of songwriting courtesy Tara Lynch, and the album's production which is solid throughout. And you know what? The awesome album cover art doesn't hurt either.
For more information, check out https://taralynch.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 © 2018 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
