I eagerly awaited the release of 'Wicked Underground' as I hold 'George Lynch' and the chronically underrated 'Jeff Pilson' in high regard. It pretty much fulfils my expectations, as 'George' and 'Jeff' concoct their own blend of guitar fuelled rock that nicely balances old with new, while still managing to carry undertones of their previous connections with 'Dokken'. Musically this album is no disappointment, 'George Lynch' sounds fresh and displays many of those sweet guitar licks and solos that made 'Lynch Mob' and 'Dokken' so distinctive. If you didn't already know the vocals are taken care of by bassist 'Jeff Pilson' and it's great to hear him take care of a full albums worth of material and he lives up to anticipations. His melodic pipes are similar to 'Don Dokken's' and although I feel the majority of the tracks don't really test him fully, he turns in a creditable performance. If I had one mute point about 'wicked Underground' it would be that it all sounds a bit too similar, tempo wise most of the tracks are set at a similar pace and lyrically some are a tad predictable. Overlooking this, 'LP's' debut release is still quality and it's reassuring that two old school musicians like 'Jeff Pilson' and 'George Lynch' are still releasing quality like this!

'Wicked Underground' opens with 'Breath & A Scream' and after a subtle intro, erupts into a crunchy rocker, which contrasts lighter verses with more forceful choruses of which 'Jeff Pilson' immediately impresses despite the occasional computerised distortion on his vocals. 'George Lynch' is his usual hook laden self and all told this makes for a strong opener albeit it having a more modern approach than I generally listen to. More traditional is the 'Dokkenesque' 'Beast in the Box', lyrically it's pretty basic especially that of the chorus but musically it's strong with a solid grooving melody flowing throughout, 'George Lynch's' solo should also not be overlooked on this choice cut. The tempo drops slightly for 'When you Bleed', a subtle number that balances lighter more airy vocals with forceful fret work, for me it doesn't quite come off, I think it would work better is 'Jeff Pilson's' vocals took a more aggressive attitude to match that of the guitaring. Superior is the simplistic but brisker 'Vaccine', 'Jeff' takes that harder approach I mentioned earlier and it works well with the robust lyrics, his bass work is also very strong and compliments 'Michael Frowein's' rigorous drumming perfectly. The pace is dropped for the balladsy 'Ever higher' and here we witness more harmonious 'Jeff Pilson' vocals, regrettably the first half sounds just too laboured, fortunately the electric guitar cuts in around the half way mark and closes the track off admirably. Next up is my favourite song 'Zero the End' a pulsating rocker that has a certain similarity to 'Dokken's' 'Sunless Days', 'Jeff' sounds right at home on this harder number and is supported brilliantly as 'George Lynch' pulls off a cracking display on this hard rocking gem. Less intense is the plodding 'The Evil that you Are' another track which contrasts melodic verses with heavier choruses, a little too predictable for my liking but still a decent track. Following in similar fashion is 'Awaken' and like a lot of cuts present the intro is subtle and quickly builds into a mid tempo rocker, here 'Jeff Pilson' shines with a strong vocal performance. Ensuing is the albums only instrumental 'Cromanic' and 'George Lynch' doesn't disappoint on this blistering 'Mr. Scary' style blazer as he works the fret board with controlled abandon. Less impressive is 'Goodbye Utopia', while musically it's sound, lyrically I find it trite and ultimately disappointing. The penmanship improves considerable with 'Inner View', but this short, slower paced track fails to entertain me. The tempo is maintained for the last offering 'Closer to None' and it disappoints me that they didn't go out with a rocker and while the band turns in a solid performance on this respectable up tempo ballad, it leaves me expecting more.

A very solid debut and a lot better than 'Dokken's' last release 'Long Way Home'. While I personally would have liked 'Lynch' and 'Pilson' to have explored more harder, faster material along the lines of 'Tooth and Nail', 'Til the Livin' End or 'Street Fighting Man', I still rate 'Wicked Underground' and look forward to 'Lynch' and 'Pilson' collaborating again.