Mosquitos III

The Mosquitos' third album is no great departure from previous work, and that's just fine. Anyone who has heard the first two has no doubt fallen in love with the group's light as a feather, sweet as sugar mixture of Brazilian and indie pop along with a hint of electronic pop; this record does nothing to weaken the affair and will likely leave you even more in love. As before, Juju Stulbach's vocals are entrancing, Chris Root's are goofily charming, and Root and Jon Marshall Smith create a smooth and peaceful soundtrack perfect for a lazy day, sleepy morning, or really any time you need a hug. Although the Mosquitos are still perfectly unique and true to their original sound, Mosquitos III differs enough from previous release Sunshine Barato to make it seem like more than a wonderful retread. The mood is decidedly less silly; the sound is lusher with lots of fake strings filling up the background and just a deeper feeling. Instead of summer all the time, some hints of autumn creep in now and then, like on the melancholy "Nowhere Left to Go" or the heartbroken "Gaita." At their heart, though, the Mosquitos are squishy romantics with a soft spot as wide as the ocean. Check out "Reason to Live," which is about the mushiest, sweetest love song you'll ever hear. Or try "Love Like You." Or the marvelous "Just a Touch." There aren't too many bands that are as unabashedly soft and gentle as this; the Mosquitos are pretty special in that regard. If you haven't already fallen in love with the group, Mosquitos III is a perfect warm, sweet, and inviting soundtrack for your first date.