Lynch/PilsonWicked Underground
By
Mick Stingley,
Contributor
Wednesday, April 16, 2003 @ 11:22 AM
(Spitfire)
The simple genius in naming this project underscores the dynamite music created here: this is NOT “Dokken”. The two singles going to radio do not even scratch the surface of this vibrant collaboration between the former axe-men of the infamous ‘80s band -- this is an excellent CD!
With drummer Michael Frowein in tow, George Lynch and Jeff Pilson are Good-Cop/Bad-Coppin’ it through the 12 aggressive and beautiful cuts on this killer, and long-overdue album.
While Mr. Lynch lays down some of the finest guitar riffs he’s ever cooked up
since Wicked Sensation, Mr. Pilson meets him head-on with gentle,
lilting vocals and rich, evocative melodies which create some damn fine music.
The first track starts things rocking after about 30 seconds of teasing.
“Breath & A Scream” is all George: heavy and aggressive, until you hear
Jeff Pilson’s mature, neo-Jon Anderson, “Yes”–like harmonies. Bassist Pilson has become a confident singer who etches out his own place in rock -- his voice is at-once desperate and beautiful, then braying and raw.
It’s a theme that permeates the disc: a clever tune, mixed in a new style -- “the old familiar” with “new production sound” -- ‘80s music-gone-Post-Millenium.
But the first track, and the heavy, radio-bound “When You Bleed” are NOTHING compared to stand-outs like “Vaccine,” “Ever Higher,” “The Evil That You Are,”
“Goodbye Utopia” and “Closer To None”-- all of which showcase the absolute best of both men. If “The Evil…” and “Utopia” don’t have you playing air guitar and singing in the shower, then you just don’t like rock! And, as an added treat, there is “Chromanic,” a killer instrumental to remind the listener that these two journeymen can let it rip with some nice give ‘n take when it comes to their signature instruments…
Opposites attract: this CD is the union of maximum George and the finely-textured Pilson. The only disappointment is that these guys didn’t do it sooner. All the time and all the fractured projects later, it is satisfying to hear that George Lynch and Jeff Pilson are still “Rokken”…
* * * *
bluphyre - 3/17/2004 7:32:58 AM Being a fan of George Lynch and Jeff Pilson's past work together and apart, I have to say this cd is long overdue. Still no tour, but don't count them out yet. Jeff has said it's still possible + it's possible an ep of new material could be recorded to coincide with a tour. The ep might also contain the extra Jap track "Gravity". Something we here in the US shouldn't have been cheated out of in the first palce. For those who haven't heard it yet, trust me you won't be disappointed. I bought this cd when it first came out on Lynch's website and almost a year later I can't stop playing it. I've been playing it so much in the car that even my 3 year old has learned the words to much of the songs and sings along!
blacksabbs - 2/16/2004 12:38:42 AM I saw George Lynch at Platinum Live in Studio City. Oh my g-d. LYnch fuckin rocks....If you guys get a chance, you've got to see him... He is playing with yngwie malmsteen. KIller
hc666 - 11/6/2003 9:23:28 AM This cd has been in my player since Mid July... love it to death! Esp Ever Higher and the killer Beast in the Box... what a riff!
kamakaze1 - 7/21/2003 3:53:16 PM I didn't know Lynch had a new project or album until I downloaded a couple MP3's via P2P, and I'm already convinced that this is definitely some of his best work. I love it already. I'm on my way to georgelynch.com to grab a copy, then I'll email the local rock station and hound them to death for radio play. RIAA, are you listening???? ;)
Rattrockur - 6/12/2003 3:02:52 PM somebdy said this is the place to meet hot chicks with implants, where are they? : )~
wickedmobster - 6/10/2003 2:27:45 PM Hey MrScary22-
I could not agree with u more. The best I have heard in awhile!!!!! I'm trying to get it played here in Detroit!!!! the riff "WRIF".
wickedmobster - 6/10/2003 2:26:27 PM LYNCH MOB "REVOLUTION" NOW IN STORES!!!!!!
Join the REvolution www.georgelynch.com
LYNCH/PILSON "WICKED UNDERGROUND" NOW IN STORES!!!
Join the REvolution www.georgelynch.com
wickedmobster - 6/10/2003 2:24:20 PM Hey MrScary22-
I could not agree with u more. The best I have heard in awhile!!!!! I'm trying to get it played here in Detroit!!!! the riff "WRIF".
mrscary22 - 6/10/2003 5:08:11 AM This CD kicks major ass!! In my opinion, it is the best damn CD available right now. Great lyrics, excellent production and vocals, guitar - WOW!! It is too bad that this won't be played in the mainstream. It is a definite must hear. I cannot get it out of my CD player :-)
Guys, please tour on this album!! It rocks and must be heard!
mrscary22 - 6/10/2003 5:05:11 AM This CD kicks major ass!! It is unfortunate that it won't be played around the world. In my opinion it is the best damn CD available right now. Great production, excellent lyrics, great vocals, guitar playing - WOW!!
Guys, please tour on this album and wake up the dead!!
Shades23 - 5/27/2003 7:28:33 PM Great CD, too bad it won't get any play and alot of ppl will never even hear it. Play Vaccine damn it!
Rattrockur - 5/24/2003 3:29:51 PM Up from the ashes
4footpimp - 5/23/2003 11:04:55 AM soooooooo,...the chatter has died down.this album still RAWKS!!!It's just too bad nobody knows about it.
digi_aussie - 5/12/2003 2:10:55 AM I've heard 4 songs from this album and they rock. I'd buy the album on the strength of those 4 tracks. Great songwriting and guitar playing.
gnarly - 5/10/2003 9:58:06 AM Once was good enough, but I felt so strongly about what I said that I said it again.
The simple genius in naming this project underscores the dynamite music created here: this is NOT “Dokken”. The two singles going to radio do not even scratch the surface of this vibrant collaboration between the former axe-men of the infamous ‘80s band -- this is an excellent CD! 
