Mosquitos

Far from the annoying little bug that leaves small welts from its bites, the New York City trio Mosquitos is a charming combo that enchants with a sexy mix of bossa nova and indie pop. While the music doesn't quite swing as real bossa nova and samba does, Brazilian singer Juju's breathy vocals (she sings in both English and Portuguese) add just the right amount of sensual authenticity. The New York contingent of Chris Root and John Marshall Smith handle light-hearted guitar, burbling Wurlitzer organ and the low budget drum machine, alternately creating an earnest bedroom pop aesthetic and a more sophisticated bossa-pop sound: imagine if Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66 had recorded at a Brooklyn apartment home studio in the new millennium. Highlights include the poppy "Rainsong," the playful bossa nova "Boombox," and the funny "Policeman," in which the protagonist is looking to bribe the officer. This self-styled bedroom bossa nova is a warm ray of light on the rainiest of afternoons. --Tad Hendrickson

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