Moskitos are the brand new wonder boys of the psych-rock scene at the moment, you only had to be at Surfa Rosa on Friday night to see it. The alleyway was packed, the mood was electric and the anticipation at a fever pitch. They were joined by scene-newcomers Tough Guy who, similarly to Moskitos, have built a reputation for memorable performances over a short space of time.
If you haven’t met them yet, Moskitos are Pieter Labuschagne (lead vocals & guitar), Albert Le Roux (bass & backing vocals) and Danie Holtzhausen (drums & percussion). And I started following the three-piece thanks to the algorithm and their instagram videos of jam sessions in a basement rehearsal space, fitted with a sick banner of their name. The fragments that piqued my attention were followed shortly after by the first draft of their brand new Adieu or Die EP. This was in 2020 and their buzz has grown substantially since.
A mix of surf rock and ’60’s psych with a pop sensibility, they make songs with propulsive grooves and guitar freak outs. The sound of which is simultaneously a throwback to the analogue tones from the golden era (think Captain Beefheart or The Mothers Invention) and part of the revival of psych rock pioneered by bands on the lineups of festivals like Austin Psych Fest, Levitation and South Africa’s own Endless Daze.
This first draft of Adieu or Die EP, featured the already released singles “Speed Unknown” and “Microwaved Delight.” The renditions of these tracks delivered live on Friday are testament to the band’s time spent in the basement.
While young surf-psych-rock bands who have not achieved the precision their songs deserve, more often than not, are apt to give disappointing performances. The songs often rely too heavily on effects and the lack of chemistry between the players renders the performance stale. Not these guys, though.
Moskitos have put in the rigorous hours and showed in their vibrant, performance. “Speed Unknown” was punched out with an accuracy and speed that had everyone revving. People were standing anywhere they could to get a glimpse of the band – climbing the sides of the booths, knocking off the nautical decorations.
The space was so full that the boys, on thier shallow stage, were completely out of sight. The energy was high and the crowd crashed against each other like waves in a stormy sea. I walked out onto the street drenched in sweat. You kind of had to be there.
All photos by Pierre Rommelaere
