Mobstar - Mobstar

Year of Release: 2004
Label: Independent
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 15:16:00

Still basically a pub band in suburban Brisbane, Mobstar is a fledgling group which is just starting to carve themselves a name. And if this little EP is anything to go by, it could be quite a name indeed. Mobstar consists of four hard rockin' dudes - Darren on lead vocals and guitar, Santi on lead guitar and backing vocals, Glenn on bass and backing vocals, and Dave on drums - and is one hard rockin' Aussie band.

With only four songs clocking in at just over 15 minutes on this disc, it's pretty short, even in comparison to other EPs. That's really the only disappointment I can voice. This is great, straight-up hard rock, nothing overly extravagant (though guitarist Santi is one hell of a champion shredder), and could have been plucked straight out of the eighties. It reminds me a great deal of Stryper, both because of the style, and because of the somewhat Christian-influenced lyrics; Mobstar speaks from the heart without preaching. It's fun, it's catchy, it rocks. Simple as that.

The EP starts with a very Dokken-like opening riff (perhaps a little too similar to the beginning of "Til The Living End," but anyway) leading into the high-energy, high-spirited "Reflections." Production is surprisingly good for an independent maiden EP; while there are some things which could definitely be polished, there's nothing which really detracts from the enjoyment of the music. Balance and mix are pretty good. The clarity could be better, but that slight rawness kind of fits in with the overall attitude and Darren's expressive, slightly gravely vocals. Second on the list is "Purify," and here's a good one to listen to if you want to see what I meant about Santi - there's some incredible shredding here, which at times is really well blended into the rest of the music, and at other times stands over the top in unashamed solo wankery.

Dave ushers in track number three with a butt-shakin' drum intro (which is great fun live, I might add), titled "Leopard," a slightly slower-tempoed number with an uplifting message of friendship. The writing on all of these tracks is really effective, catchy stuff which sticks in your mind, with nothing unnecessary to clutter it up. "Screwed Up," the final track, has an infectious bump 'n' grind rhythm (also great fun live) that I challenge you to listen to without swinging your hips.

In the short time that Mobstar have been playing, I've really become a fan, and I'd like to spread the word. If you'd like a sneak preview, you can find "Leopard" at www.mp3.com.au/mobstar, and the album's available if you contact the lads directly at mobstar_rock@hotmail.com. Word is that there's a full-length album in the works (hurry up guys!) and there's a DVD been put together as well of some of their live performances and studio work. All in all an excellent EP and highly recommended to all fans of melodic hard rock.

Similar to: Dokken, Stryper

[This review originally appeared October 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Reflections / Purify / Leopard / Screwed Up!

Musicians:
Darren - vocals, guitar
Glenn - bass, vocals
Santi - guitar, vocals
Dave - drums

Discography:
Mobstar (2004)

Genre: Rock

Origin AU

Added: November 26th 2004
Reviewer: Karyn Hamilton
Score:
Artist website: www.mobstar-rocks.com
Hits: 1896
Language: english