LYNCH MOB – Rebel (2015)
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In the middle of last year, the core of LYNCH MOB George Lynch and Oni Logan convened in the studio to create the newest album by the band entitled “Rebel” – their second for Frontiers Music Srl.
On the album, veteran skilled musicians Jeff Pilson on bass (ex- Dokken and Dio, currently with Foreigner) on bass and Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Slash etc.) on drums, this Lynch Mob rhythm section provides a solid core foundation behind a wall of sound that Lynch & Logan’s playing and songwriting has become known for.
The album kicks off with the rocking “Automatic Fix”, a lyrical tip of the hat to Rock N’ Roll. George lays down a rather lengthy yet smokin’ solo prior to the band bringing things down a bit before kickin’ back into high gear for the last forty seconds. Brian Tichy’s drumming really makes this track shine.
“Between The Truth And A Lie” & “Testify” both have a harder edge to them with a pretty modern sound, a welcomed update to Lynch’s Mob overall ’80s feel.
“Sanctuary” is eerily reminiscent in places of Dokken’s Shadows Of Life, and it is a really cool track.
Jeff & Brian really lay down some groove on the next three tunes. “Pine Tree Avenue” is where Oni gets downright funky metal on the mic, “Jelly Roll” keeps the swagger rollin’ with a electrified bluesy twist, while Lynch Mob keeps the groove goin’ all the way to the bank with “Dirty Money”.
Really digg the way Oni’s vocals were recorded for the latter. It adds to the thick sonic stew that the rhythm section laid down and shows just how adventurous Lynch’s playing can get.
“The Hollow Queen” brings the tempo down showcasing the dark, haunting vibe of the tune in the vein of the band’s ’90s work. This track would make for a really cool video if done right.
“The Ledge” is a vibey ’70s inspired track featuring some of my favorite guitar work of the album from George and classic Jeff Pilson background vocals. The groove returns in a very sludgy fashion with “Kingdom Of Slaves” where Oni’s vocals lean towards powerhouse influences such as Ronnie James Dio.
The band saves the biggest knockout for the very end. Closer “War” is not only an immediately memorable masterstroke, but also boasts some of the most effortlessly brilliant, expansive solos Lynch ever played. This is when you realize that only the best players can afford a clear-cut, transparent style, and that the moment is right every time for this directness to take spotlight from overdone trends and tired fashions.
Lynch Mob has delivered yet another fantastic album with “Rebel”.
I’ve been a fan since their debut and with the exception of their Lynch Bizkit monstrosity, they’ve always delivered quality melodic hard rock. They throw in a few modern twists here and there but overall, dare I say, it is ‘classic’ Lynch Mob.
It would have been a shame with the lineup this album features if they’d delivered a stinker but the songs are excellent, the playing top notch and a tip of the hat to Oni, George, Jeff and Brian as well as the Producer, Engineer and Mixer, Chris “The Wizard” Collier on a job really well done.
Highly Recommended.
01. Automatic Fix
02. Between The Truth And A Lie
03. Testify
04. Sanctuary
05. Pine Tree Avenue
06. Jelly Roll
07. Dirty Money
08. The Hollow Queen
09. The Ledge
10. Kingdon Of Slaves
11. War
George Lynch – guitars (ex-DOKKEN)
Oni Logan – vocals
Jeff Pilson (ex-DOKKEN, FOREIGNER, DIO) – bass
Brian Tichy (ex-WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) – drums
BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Lynch-Mob/dp/B00ZJB7YAE
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