SOULS OF WE
"Let the Truth Be Known" (Shrapnel;
2008)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
To me, growing up and learning to play guitar in the
'80s meant trying to emulate Dokken’s George Lynch. Since I had no hope of ever
having the skills of Mr. Scary I had to remain satisfied with observing the
curious Lynch try his hand at different styles over the years.
Needless to say, I’ve been a tad frustrated over the years as I’ve listened to
George Lynch chase trends while simultaneously chasing his muse. The Internet
chatter about Souls of We had been building for awhile as Lynch bounced around
from project to project all the while insisting that Souls of We was a viable
concern that would eventually yield recorded material for consumption. Souls of
We have finally released the debut album “Let the Truth Be Known.”
“Let the Truth Be Known” is a fourteen track effort that combines Lynch’s
considerable talents with the known voice of London LeGrand of Brides of
Destruction (although I’d not really heard LeGrand up until this point). A large
cast of musicians contribute bass, drums, and keys. Songwriting help was infused
into the project by Lynch’s longtime musical partner Jeff Pilson and Andrew
Freeman.
What remains undeniable is Lynch’s ability to conduct compelling performances no
matter what he chooses to do. With Souls of We it seems Lynch is going for
groove and performance over flashy showmanship. Showcase solos are few in
number, but extended lead playing in the form of melodic accents and
fills/thrills seem to fit this band more than anything else he’s done in some
time. Most importantly, it’s the songs that are the main vehicle – the songs are
more-than-competent hard rock. LeGrand matches Lynch’s abilities quite adeptly
and complements Lynch’s varied approach by contorting his voice in many ways –
this gives
the songs unique character from track to track.
In the end “Let the Truth Be Known” sounds like a band, not just George Lynch
and a bunch of guys he hired. Right now hard rock needs a good band and Souls of
We might be a pure example to lead the charge.
“Let the Truth Be Known” was produced by George Lynch and London LeGrand.
Souls of We is London LeGrand on vocals and George Lynch on guitar. Performances
on the album include Jeff Pilson, Fred LeClercq, Mike Hansen, Bobby Jarzombek,
Patrick Johansson, Mike Wengren, and Andrew Freeman. Souls of We includes Johny
Chow on bass and Yael on drums each of whom play on one track each.
For more information visit
http://www.soulsofwe.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 © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised:
16 Dec 2024 12:46:37 -0500
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