Mobley - “Torch"

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Nick Murphy, Saint PHNX, Jungle

Local electronic rock/R&B artist Mobley returns to SXSW in 2020 with new music promised following his 2018 debut Fresh Lies, Vol. I, a full, ambitious collection of percussive groovers and sultry sways. There’s excitement in Mobley’s sound both on record and live, where he expands his songs by inviting the audience in for a performance equally fun and with musical depth. (Kevin McStravick)

2016 Review: Electronic R&B artist Mobley has only two proper tracks released to date, but there is enough here to see a potential important artist in the making.  Mobley’s started with “The New Black”, a track that melds blues, dance, rock and R&B into a stormy mix, building from a cool piano groove to crowded, psychedelic sounds.  It’s almost avant-garde in that way - Mobley’s songwriting and performance is refreshingly self-guided, even better shown with his grooving follow-up “Swoon”.  Mysterious and confident, “Swoon” is a mix of kiss-off and regret, highlighting Mobley’s percussive vocal on a marching backbeat.  It’s a mix of darkness and levity, pop and experimental R&B.