Simon RushworthLynch Mob — Dancing With The Devil (Frontiers)
Has George Lynch saved the best until last?
Dancing With The Devil is, we’re assured, the definitive final chapter for a band that built its stellar reputation on pushing boundaries and burying the past.
Lynch Mob always looked forward: dazzling debut Wicked Sensation put the main man’s former band Dokken firmly in the rearview mirror.
And in refusing to bow to the slow creep of grunge, 1992’s self-titled follow-up was the bullish sound of a band that never lacked self-belief and, even then, dreamed of better days.
That both ‘classic era’ records are still revered by hard rock fans the world over tells its own story.
Dancing With The Devil’s another fine effort in the mould of Wicked Sensation.
Reassuringly, Lynch’s famed fretwork still sits somewhere between heavy blues and Sunset Strip-dyed hair metal.
But it’s his partnership with sleaze-soaked frontman Gabriel Colón that propels a powerful long player into our Best Of 2025 thinking.
In tandem, the instinctive duo wrings every last drop of retro goodness out of a record that’s richly rewarding.
And the storied Mob mentality is alive and kicking in a pair who remain fully committed to the cause.
As stirring set closer and European bonus track Somewhere reaches its emotional denouement it’s impossible to feel anything but deep regret that this will be the last ever Lynch Mob album.
But, by George, it’s been a wild ride while it lasted.
The Devil’s In The Detail
Dancing With The Devil’s urgent title track kicks off a typically diverse set in furious fashion.
Lynch is immediately given licence to let rip — just like the good old days.
And Colón’s keener than mustard as he makes an early play as show stealer alongside generational talent George.
The soaring Lift Up Your Soul is Black Country Communion meets Soundgarden with a sensational Lynch solo for good measure.
And the funky, chunky Living Colour-esque Love In Denial is a spellbinding throwback to those ambitious, genre fluid early days.
Lynch channels his inner Zeppelin on the dreamy instrumental Golden Mirror — a true reflection of where the insanely talented six stringer’s roots lie.
Truthfully, Dancing With Devil’s a definite upgrade on 2023’s punchy Babylon.
All good things must come to an end but for now, at least, the Mob still rules.
