Through the years of writing this blog, I’ve realised that often the best albums aren’t the ones pushed by the big labels. Sure, there are some brilliant artists with that kind of backing, but our country is so rich in talent that often the real gems come from independent acts who release their music simply because they have something to say. Toby Mobbs, an unsigned independent singer-songwriter from Albury, is one of those acts. His debut album Placid in the Rough is likely to fly under the radar, but it deserves your time.
Toby describes himself as a pop-folk act, but that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Placid in the Rough is such a diverse album. My own music taste is so eclectic, I can get bored if a record stays in the same place for too long but this album takes us on a journey, from solo tracks recorded in home studios to collaborations with other artists in professional studios. Yes, there are poppy, folky moments, but Toby has so much more to share with us. The opening number “Making Lemonade” has a rock edge which gets cranked up to 11 with the next track “Moments”. There’s a gentle country feel to “The River,” a duet with the fabulous Nick Keogh, and “Just One Thing”, which features Asha Bright. “A Mark to Remember” has a retro electronic vibe. Toby’s sound is a glorious symphony by the time the final track, “Will I Be Somebody Else?” rolls around.
I have a sneaking suspicion that these eight tracks barely scratch the surface. No genre that Toby plays with feels ill-fitting, which is a testament to his talent and confident songwriting. As a self-confessed word nerd, I really appreciate Toby’s introspective, yet relatable, lyrics. The unique collection of songs that makes up Placid in the Rough encourages repeat listens. I’ve returned to this album countless times this week, and I’m probably going to press play again once I finish writing this review. You should too.
If you like what you hear, you can catch Toby showcasing the music and stories behind these special songs at intimate venues around the country. After seeing so many “national” tours that skipped Darwin, Perth, and Hobart, he was determined to play every capital, and a few choice regional centres too. He’ll be joined by Nick Keogh and local artists at every show, including many who appear on Placid in the Rough. The tour kicks off in Toby’s hometown of Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga next month.
5 October 2022 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
6 October 2022 – The Food Co-op Shop & Café, Ngambri/Canberra
7 October 2022 – Butchers Brew Bar, Eora/Sydney
9 October 2022 – Can You Keep A Secret?, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 October 2022 – Happy Yess, Garramilla/Darwin
22 October 2022 – The 21st Amendment, Boorloo/Perth
26 October 2022 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide
28 October 2022 – Brunswick Artists’ Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
30 October 2022 – Pablo’s Cocktails And Dreams, Nipaluna/Hobart
6 November 2022 – The Goods Shed, Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga
Images used with permission from Toby Mobbs; feature image credit: Trewbella Photography
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