Customer Reviews

Mosquitos

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An absolute delight. Finding the perfect midway point between Brazilian cool and sugary indiepop twee, New York's Mosquitos feature vocals by Juju Stulbach, a Rio-born expatriate who combines the airy, insouciance of Astrud Gilberto with the flip, casual, DIY mellowness of the North American cutesy-pop crowd. There's a relaxed love of melody that suggests a debt to Yo La Tengo, as well as a simplicity and cleanness of line that brings New Zealand's The Bats to mind... Stulbach's Portuguese-language vocals are a highlight, with a fluidity and good-natured tone that should draw in any devotee of classic, roller-rinky Brazilian pop, as well as fans of BMX Bandits, Beat Happening and the whole Pacific Northwest lo-fi scene. Admittedly, the cutesy, naifish English-language lyrics of singer-guitarist Chris Root don't hold up as well to repeated listenings, but they put the record into the right context... In short, this is the perfect twee-pop album that native Brazilian indie bands have yet to create: it's lovely and dreamy, full of pretty sounds and foreign words... what's not to love?

I became aware of the Mosquitos from a public radio station here in Pittsburgh, PA (WYEP). The very first time they played the song "Boombox" it put a hook in me. It's been a long time since a pop song moved me so quickly upon a first hearing that way. This band have very instinctual "pop sensibilities", no doubt about that!

The Mosquitos is a joyful blend of a retro-styled Beatnick-era Jazz and modern-day urbanism. What struck me was the immediate commercial applicability of some of these numbers. There's just a "neat" feel to this sound, I can't quit reduce it to a few words or put my finger on it easily - it's slick, it's hip, it's groovy, and it's fun all at the same time in equal measure.

I agree with many other reviwers that the real star on this CD is the wonderful vocal performance of Juju. She's multi-lingual and has a very timeless quality to her voice. So much so in fact, that I initially wondered if this weren't some old Tito Puente song that had been recently sampled by some slick young DJ. Juju has a very sensual, breathy voice that really makes these songs shine. It would be difficult to put an age to her just by listening alone.

If you're in the mood for something different, and want something original, check out the Mosquitos. That's my recommendation.

This is soooooooo cheesy. Yet for the life of me, I cannot tell you why but there's just something about this cd that makes the cheesiness okay! The linear notes gives you a bit of background about their roots and how they came and nearly didn't come together - which was sort of interesting.

The music is very light and breezy. So many bands have a specific sound, like Les Hommes focus on the organs, Nouvelle has the clarinet and vibraphone, Nicola Conte is new bossa, etc. This group's sound is mostly guitar, slight percussion and a whoooole lot of synth. Some of the cuts that stood out to me were Boombox, Rainsong, Mosquito and Next To Me. Probably my favorite cut was actually Footsteps - it was a perfect soundtrack sort of song. Juju Stulbach does have a terrific voice.

But some of the other songs aren't so impressive and the general feel of the album gives a pretty big amateur feel. Sometimes I felt like I was listening to the demo of a buddy that put together a proud product from his garage. Also, the songs are extremely short too - we're talkin' two cuts at 3 minutes, and two cuts at less than 2 minutes! But besides all that, if you dig something new, want something that's pretty happy then you may want to check this out.

Heard a story on NPR weekend radio about Mosquitos and liked all four of the tracks they played. Immediately went to buy it. Haven't taken it out of the cd player. I love it and apparently my 4 and 6 year old love it too because we all keep singing different songs around the house. I'm sure they will be all the buzz soon.

In love with this disc, which I bought tonight after seeing Mosquitos live. The members of Os Mutantes must be proud of what Mosquitos are doing these days with cool bossa nova sounds blended with American influence.

I find Mosquitos' songs catchy and easy to listen to. Some of them are great, and I just wish they were longer.

I will eagerly await any future releases from Mosquitos, as well as any return visits to this area.

Recommend the disc.

I was taken a bit by surprise by this record. I like to find new records before the rest so when I read that they were a cross of bossa nova and indie....i was sold enough to buy it. and this record is SO enjoyable. The girl Juju singing is both sweet and sexy at the same time. Very catchy and hummable - even if I don't understand all the words.

Just picked up this CD, and I was amazed by their sound. A little pop and a little bossa, just right. If you like Smokey & Miho, you'll love these guys. Juju's vocals are amazing, very breathy. The production is very studio garage-like, but it definitely adds to the overall feeling. Ideal driving music, or just hanging out with friends smoking cigarettes on your porch.

This seductive samba jewel deserves every imaginable hype. Easily comparable to some of Bebel's and Astrud's best work. Vocalist, Juju Stulbach is the Real Deal! (sorry, Dominique from Ivy). It's clear these 3 musicians are good friends as well as bandmates. The songs are moving slices of some edgy personal urban samba experience (whatever that is), played with dignity and an understated flair. Quite simply, there's an elegance to this music. A brilliant debut from an ensemble of young intelligent eclectic multi-culturalists playing from the heart. Quite out of fashion THESE DAYS ! 6 STARS !!!

I had never heard of this group before. But i just went to a concert by AIR and Mosquitos were opening for them. VERY good group. Left an impression on me. The Lead singer is a short spunky gal with lots of energy. Pick this up!

Wow. I purchased this record after hearing a radio interview with Mosquitos recently and I haven't been able to tear myself away from it. At first I couldn't understand just why I was so struck with Mosquitos. Then I realized. It takes me back to a time when as a younger man I met and fell in love with a girl in Rio. It was the mid-nineties and that girl and I never spoke again after I returned home to the states. Then I heard "Rainsong" and I felt as if we were reunited. JuJu Stulbach has a distinct way a conjouring old feelings in me. In her lyrics she gracfully weaves between English and her native Portugese language, songs that speak of love, the beach and innocence lost. I will continue to treasure this CD for many years to come.