In 2022, Toby Mobbs captured my heart with his fantastic debut album Placid in the Rough. I marvelled at the eclectic songs that despite the genre shifts, all hit me in the heart. With the release of his follow-up In Between The Words, Toby still refuses to stay inside a musical box. But when you’re this creative, why would you?
His debut album pushed genre boundaries, but Toby’s taking even more risks this time around. The sound is louder, bolder, more self-assured. The gentle acoustic guitar strains of the album opener “Over & Out” ease us in, before big crashing chords signal that this is no sleepy background folk. Toby demands to be heard, and I found myself willingly strapping myself in for the ride. It’s a good thing I put on that metaphorical seatbelt, because this album delivers plenty of twists and turns. Electric guitars, synths, and simple singable lyrics combine in “Run Back to You” for a retro rock sound. The following track “Let Go” occupies a similar nostalgic space, although it’s a little more complex. It reminds me of Springsteen. It’s that good.
Just as you start thinking you’ve figured this album out, Toby takes another left turn. “Three Cities” is a big, ballsy hard rocker. I didn’t know Toby had it in him, but with Simon McKenna guesting on vocals, he finds another gear, another genre to play with. Perhaps it’s not so surprising that he nails it. “Same,” a duet with Naarm/Melbourne artist Iva Mahoni delivers the sweetest, softest moment of the album. After a couple of collaborative tunes, it’s only fitting that Toby brings us “Coming Back to Me.” It’s an introspective rock anthem that builds to a crescendo that should have you punching your fist in the air. It feels like the finale of a big show yet, but Toby’s not quite done. There’s still some more music to explore.
The big brassy notes of “Stagger” give it a ska feel that takes me right back to the early noughties. I’d barely stopped skanking when the simple piano melody of the final track, “Surrender” kicked in. I thought we were in for one of those gorgeous quiet piano ballads. I would have been happy with that. But of course, Toby kicks things up a notch for his grand finale, adding a stirring symphony and even a dash of opera. It’s dramatic, daring, and utterly spellbinding.
It’s very rare that I feel the need to touch on all the songs from an album, but each one is such an important part of this release. Like jigsaw puzzle pieces, they come together to create an exciting picture of where this talented young artist is right now. I often hear on reality shows that people need to find their sound, because the audience needs to understand who they are. As you listen to Toby’s music, you understand that sticking to one genre isn’t the only way to represent your artistry. In fact, when so many sounds all feel like a natural fit, surely releasing such a diverse collection is the only authentic option.
With In Between The Words, Toby Mobbs makes good on the promise I heard in Placid in the Rough. He’s still writing incredible, eclectic songs, but in between those lyrics his sound has evolved to become something bigger, bolder, and more confident this time around. In Between The Words is out now on all your favourite streaming platforms. If like me you prefer an old-school CD, you can order the album from JB Hi-Fi or find it in selected stores.
In Between The Words was:
Written by Toby Mobbs
Produced by Toby Mobbs and Matt Cross
Arrangement by Matt Cross
Engineered and Mixed by Simon McKenna
Mastered by Forrester Savell
Artwork by Kate Cossor
Images used with permission from Toby Mobbs
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.