Perhaps, more than two decades after the fact, a slice of Sunset Strip 80s influenced metal is appropriate. Lord knows Frontiers has been cashing in on vintage hairband associated acts, including Stryper, House Of Lords and Danger Danger. That’s just in the last few months! Unlike those fluffy, easy-going, ballad-filled albums, “Smoke And Mirrors” retains a viability in the current market while remaining true to the nostalgic sound.

What began as a respite for ex-Dokken guitarist George Lynch eventually took on a life of its own and today sees Lynch reunited with Oni Logan (vocals) and the addition of Marco Mendoza (ex-Thin Lizzy, bass). Of course there’s plenty of six-string showcasing, but what grabs me are the songs: the European flavored ‘We Will Remain’, bass heavy, doomy ‘Time Keepers’ and the title track is a little bit countrified, bluesy hard rock, ala Badlands revisited. The upbeat ‘21st Century Man’ kicks the disc off, with a hint of honky tonk and cathouse strut. Others that old-time Dokken/Lynch fans might enjoy include ‘My Kind Of Healer’ and ‘Before I Close My Eyes’. Some versions will include the bonus cut ‘Mansions In The Sky’. Surprisingly enjoyable.