Powerfully Refreshing
P.Dot | Canada | 05/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mobile's debut album, "Tomorrow Starts Today" is a fabulous achievement from start to finish. It's one of those rare albums that you can pick up, pop in, sit back, and enjoy till the very end.
Their genre, albeit hard to classify as it is a mixture of rock, pop, new wave, and emo, is rapidly gaining popularity in today's mainstream scene. This helps them and hinders them at the same time. For one, it increases their exposure, but on the other hand, you might overlook this band simply because there are so many others out there. Others such as fellow Montreal band 'The Arcade Fire'.
However, if one takes time to sit and listen, you'll come away with a pretty distinct audio experience.
From easy ballads to head-shaking beats, this album delivers on all fronts.
"New York Minute", "Out of my Head", and "Tomorrow Starts Today" are the first songs you'll probably take note of, as they are the songs that one can rock out to, and they are great at doing so. With strong riffs and harder vocals, these songs tend to grab more immediate attention. "Tomorrow Starts Today" leads the pack, though, with it's catchy chorus and solid beat.
"Lookin' Out" is also in among the top songs of the album. It's somewhat of a ballad, but it has more of an edge to it, and along with its smooth piano, I tend to prefer it over the other truer ballads listed below.
"Scars" and "Dusting Down the Stars" make up the great ballads of the album. "Scars" wins this contest though. It is a considerably deep song and features probably the most effective vocals in the album.
"See Right Through Me", however, is the highlight of the album. With a melodic piano, sharp vocals and great intruments, the song stands high above the rest as the top song. The lyrics are powerful, and the intruments really come together to draw out the listeners emotions and create a powerful song.
"Lovedrug" is a special song. It's one of those songs that combines 80's with modern. This medley is present throughout the entire album, but it is more distinctively noticeable in this specific song. As such, if you like the genre, you'll like the song. If you think The Killers are good, then you might enjoy this song. If not, then skip it.
"Bleeding Words" is the only song that truly competes with "See Right Through Me" in terms of production and power. With a beautiful instrumental prelude, followed by some powerful vocals, and nice guitar riffs. It's a great way to end a great album.
The other songs of the album hold their own, but these are the songs that make it what it is. And it is worth it.
As every other band in the genre, Mobile is an acquired taste. If you already like the genre, this will make a fine addition to your collection.
If you hate the genre, then this band won't turn you into a lover of it. However, if you have an inkling of interest in the genre, this will be the album that brings you fully into it."
Tomorrow starts with Mobile
Adi Jakupovic | 10/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This debut CD by Montreal's Mobile is simply great. The music is so emotional and the lyrics speak to you. Mat Joly's vocals are astounding and the production of this CD is formidable.
The best song on this album is "See Right Through Me". It is very closely followed by the second and third best songs of this CD which are "Scars" and "Bleeding Words". The sound arrangements on these 3 songs, the vocals, the lyrics are great but the sheer emotion and power that these songs exude are mesmerising. It's refreshing to see something new yet something so good. It has been a long time.
Other songs that are noteworthy : "Out of my head", "Montreal Calling", "Looking Out" and "Lovedrug". Also good songs are "New York minute", "Dusting Down the Stars" and "How Can I be saved".
The weakest songs of the album are "Hands tied" and "Tomorrow starts today".
This band is far from being an imitation of the Killers or any band out there. They do resemble a little bit a mixture of the latter, Jimmy Eat World and Dishwalla (the last two albums) but they have their own sound and that is perfectly evident by their 3 best songs.
Mobile is here to stay for sure. I'm glad I got to listen to this album and to have discovered it. They have a bright future. Great band. Superb album. Way to go Mobile."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
