Flashback CD Review #42 - The Mob - S/T

This review was originally done for the Rock Is Life.com website in 2005.

The Mob

S/T

Frontiers Records - 2005

http://www.rebbeach.com/mob/index.htm

What's The 4-1-1?

The Mob is the latest gathering of musicians to be dubbed a supergroup. The lineup features Reb Beach from Winger, Dokken and Whitesnake. Doug Pinnick from King's X handles vocal duties with keyboard help from Timothy Drury and drums from Night Ranger's Kelly Keagy.

Genre

Hard Rock / Melodic Rock

The Good

I loved Reb Beach in Winger, but I was very disappointed in the one album he made with Dokken. Now comes his new music project and man, this one really showcases his guitar skills like never before. He stands out particularly good on tracks like "Wait" and "The Magic". The solo on the fantastic rock track "Never Get Enough" is outstanding. The instrumental "Spaghetti Western" is very lively. It's one of the best tracks on the CD, it could be seen as Beach's "Mr. Scary".

While "The Magic" won't likely make any radio play lists, it is in fact a solid power ballad.

Drummer Kelly Keagy kick starts everything with a powerful drumming style.

The Bad

I didn't particularly care for the closing power ballad "I Want To Live Forever". It didn't do anything for me. Strangely enough, while I am definitely enthralled with Beach's guitar work on this album, track #5 is entitled "Guitar Solo" and yet I found it lacking. Instead of taking the listener on a short musical journey, it is one minute and 20 seconds of running in place.

Over the course of the first half of the album, I thought Doug Pinnick's vocals were a bit distracting from the songs. The second half was fine, but I thought that little thing I picked up on should be mentioned. Also, the last sentence of the first verse in the opening number "One Track Mind" seemed to sound like it was delivered with a slurred vocal take.

The Verdict

I'm not really shocked, but its always a surprise to me when a who's who group of talent forms a new band and comes out with a great debut release. I'm hoping to see them hang around for multiple releases. The Mob may just be the venue for Reb Beach to get some true acclaim as a guitar hero. He's in absolute top form on this CD.

While there are some flaws in the album, it is really good overall and melodic rock fans should flock to their favorite place to purchase music to get this album when it hits store shelves.

Did You Know?

The album was produced by Reb Beach's former Winger bandmate Kip Winger. He also played the bass parts on the CD. Drummer Kelly Keagy provides the lead voals on the track "The Magic". He was also the lead vocalist on the Night Ranger smash hit "Sister Christian".

RATING: 4 out of 5

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Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on August 7, 2011 at 9:24am

Good review TR. I actually have this album. I picked it up a few months back, but have not listened to it yet. I'll try to listen one morning this coming week during my run. I'll let you know what I think then.