Listening to a new Toby Mobbs album always feels like catching up with an old friend. He wowed me with his debut album Placid in the Rough in 2022, and impressed me again two years later with In Between The Words. Now another two years have passed and he’s gifted us with another fantastic collection of songs, his latest album Stranger That I Know.
Toby eases us in with the nostalgic pop-rock ballad “Far From Home.” It’s a song of longing and memories that builds to a beautiful brassy climax. It’s a natural precursor to “Returning,” which also has Toby reflecting on the life he’s led and where he’s heading. I love the way these songs start so small, with just the strum of an acoustic guitar and gentle piano chords, drawing us in before taking us on moving musical journeys as they gain emotional momentum.
Stranger I Know takes its first musical left turn with “Birdcage,” a rollicking rock number that will have you punching your fist in the air. It’s gloriously rebellious, an anthem to freedom and self-belief. He also rocks out on “Best For Me,” a duet with fellow Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga native James Oswald. Meedie, a singer-songwriter from Mulubinba/Newcastle, joins Toby for “Long Forgotten,” a bittersweet breakup anthem. The reggae vibes of “200” put a smile on my face before Toby had me wiping away tears with “Rather Stay.” This powerful piano ballad is such a fitting end to a really special album.
As with his other releases, Toby has taken the time to create music he can be proud of on Stranger That I Know. Every detail is considered, every lyric heartfelt, every genre shift intentional. Stranger That I Know is available to stream or purchase on CD at JB Hi-Fi. He’ll celebrate the album’s release with a national tour featuring gigs in every single state and territory. Get your tickets for the following dates from the links below:
7 October 2026 – Thirsty Crow, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
8 October 2026 – Pot Belly Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
9 October 2026 – Society City, Woolyungah/Wollongong
11 October 2026 – The Nook, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast
17 October 2026 – Durack Community Arts Centre, Larrakia Country/Palmerston
23 October 2026 – Kokomo’s, Walyalup/Fremantle
27 October 2026 – Prince Albert Hotel, Kadlitiya/Gawler
30 October 2026 – The Old Church on the Hill, Djandak/Bendigo
1 November 2026 – Don Memorial Hall, Paranaple/Devonport
13 November 2026 – The Cube, Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga (with Albury-Wodonga Symphony Orchestra)
Photo credit: M Rehman Photography