By Todd Schaaf
The University Star 

Zeale32 and Gobi brought the house down at George's Thursday.

Pre-mass communication sophomore Valin Zamarron, also known as Zeale32, opened the show. Sitting atop a barstool, Zamarron wasted no time introducing himself and beginning the show. Zeale32 performed what he calls conscious hip-hop — hip-hop that he says isn't materialistic.

Much of Zamarron's set was pre-produced tracks, but he still incorporated the occasional freestyle, including his finale — a four-minute audience-inspired freestyle flow.

"I like doing shows down here because it gets more of the demographic that you're trying to hit, at least for me, you know, like college students," said Zamarron.

Reed Newell, a friend of the band Gobi, came to see his friends perform and left impressed by Zeale32.

"I had never even really heard of him till I saw him tonight and I think he played an awesome set," Newell said.

Zamarron said he was excited to be performing with Gobi.

"We've been trying to do a show together for a while, so finally we get to be on the same bill," Zamarron said.

Gobi, who mix a variety of musical influences, said they hoped to gain new fans.

"It's a chance for new people to see us and for people who have seen us to just have a good time," guitarist Justin Dillon said.

It was also a chance to get a live performance in.

"We haven't played in like a month, so it's pretty exciting to play," said Gobi vocalist Phil Arciniega. "It's always nice to play at Texas State, too."

Gobi's performance accompanied by their fog machine and flashing lightshow was hypnotic and it had the entire audience nodding along to their trancelike beats.

"When you look out in the audience and see everyone bobbing their heads, that's usually a good indication," Arciniega said.

Gobi was pleased with the turnout at George's and how well the show was received.

"The show was great; when all of our friends and family come out, that's pretty much all you can ask for," said Arciniega.

Mass communication senior Kaci Lanagan said Gobi's artists were great performers.

"Gobi did awesome, as they always do, and they are the best band in America," said Lanigan.