Mosquitos

Once again the Mosquitos prove themselves to be today's version of Getz, Jobim and Gilberto. Their sassy samba is as perfect for car drives with the windows down as it is for chi-chi cocktail parties. Brazilian singer Juju Stulbach is still as captivating as she was on the band's self-titled...

By Merritt Martin

October 14, 2004

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Once again the Mosquitos prove themselves to be today's version of Getz, Jobim and Gilberto. Their sassy samba is as perfect for car drives with the windows down as it is for chi-chi cocktail parties. Brazilian singer Juju Stulbach is still as captivating as she was on the band's self-titled 2003 debut, her breathy innocence somehow reeking of seduction, but this album is dominated by Chris Root's vocals ("No Fim Do Pais"). This time out, Root is sounding a little less Astrud Gilberto and a little more Sergio Mendez & Brasil '66, but that's not entirely a bad thing. It's just that Sunshine Barato is more of a pantsuit album than sheer sundress, and given the name ("Barato" is Portuguese for "cheap"), I expected a torrid little halter-top with a full skirt. Musically, the Mosquitos continue to blend their New York indie tendencies with their seaside resort persona ("Avocado" and "Xixizinho No Oceano"), and it's hard to keep from moving under that cheap sunshine.

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Merritt Martin has written for the Dallas Observer for over two decades. She has also contributed to Eater, DMN and USA Today. In addition to arts and culture writing, she spends entirely too much time extolling the virtues of pears, black clothing, and her cat Kenneth.

Contact: Merritt Martin

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