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EP Review: Mosquito Cost Debut EP ‘Television Love’

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After winning triple j’s Unearthed High 2015, rising Perth duo Mosquito Coast have been going from strength to strength. This year has seen the pair support plenty of big names as well as release two singles, and their hard work has (finally!) culminated in their debut EP ‘Television Love’. Still in their teens, the 6-track offering is an amazing achievement for Naomi Robinson and Conor Barton who’ve delivered an accomplished showcase of their signature dreamy coastal alt-pop.

If a nap on a rickety wooden hammock that overlooks the beach could be conveyed sonically it would do so through the EP’s opening track Intro. The short ‘n sweet two-minute song invites you into a dream-like trance through chilled guitar strums and ethereal vocals. As the song progresses the instruments begin to take over as the vocals take a backseat, transitioning into a likeable murmur. An intoxicating first tune to ease you into Mosquito Coast’s world!

With the addition of some sick-as egg shakers, this song is pretty much the soundtrack of the beginnings of a perfect day.

The EP’s lead single Let’s Be Friends has some serious Hockey Dad-meets-Lana Del Rey undertones, with a chilled bass line, jangly guitar riffs, and wispy melancholic vocals. The track is a likely contender as our favourite song on the EP, as it’s vibe can pretty much slip into a Sunday sesh, roadtrip, or a late night banger.

Television Love is easily the most frenetic song of the EP, packed to the brim with upbeat vocals and sun-bleached guitar strums. With the addition of some sick-as egg shakers, this song is pretty much the soundtrack of the beginnings of a perfect day.

In Time sees a greater focus on guitar-pop and rolling drum fills, proving Mosquito Coast aren’t always dreamy angels sent from above to save humanity. Robinson cuts through the instrumental layers in the verses with four simple words, creating a soothing soundscape anchored by irresistible percussion.

Like dropping off the face of a cliff, this instant sonic disappearing act is a startling yet appropriate way to conclude ‘Television Love’.

Contrary to its title, Slow Down is a meandering track that introduces a fun change of pace to the EP through toe-tapping drumming and simplistic yet absorbing instrumentation. Robinson’s vocals are as strong as the fuzzy bass and faded keyboard are groovy.

The EP concludes with Reprise, a smooth track driven by ride cymbal and snare-heavy drumming and those wispy breathy vocals we’ve come to love from Robinson. The energy in the song grows with the repetition of the chorus until it’s almost orchestral, then suddenly ceases after its peak. Like dropping off the face of a cliff, this instant sonic disappearing act is a startling yet appropriate way to conclude ‘Television Love’.

Refreshingly calm in a scene full of electronic and indie-rock bangers, there’s little to criticise of this angelic 1960s’ beach vibin’ EP. However, if we are to make one complaint of sorts: a request for more diverse melodies wouldn’t have gone astray.

Mosquito Coast’s debut EP ‘Television Love’ is set for release on Friday the 16th of December. In support of their debut EP the young duo will officially hit the road in February for a national tour, for more details check out their live dates below!

Album Rating: 3.5

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Mosquito Coast Summer Dates

WED 28 DEC
Southbound Festival 2016, Busselton
FRI 30 DEC
Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley
SAT 31 DEC
NYE on the Hill, Kernot

‘Television Love’ EP Tour

THURS 2 FEB
Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
FRI 3 FEB
Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
SAT 4 FEB
LET GO FEST, VIC
SUN 5 FEB
Karova Lounge, Ballarat
SAT 11 FEB
Ed Castle, Adelaide
WED 15 FEB
Sosume: Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
THURS 16 FEB
Rad Bar, Wooloongong
FRI 17 FEB
Newton Social Club, Sydney
SAT 18 FEB
Mountain Sounds Festival, Central Coast
THURS 2 MAR
Chevron Fest Gardens, Perth

Get Tickets HERE