Band

New generation, vivid modulation, cosmic reverberation. Moskitos is a three-piece outfit that merge propulsive grooves and guitar freak outs to produce a sound and mood creation inspired by the analogue tones from the golden era, where sonic art was mind expanding and experiential. The band crafts a unique sound, melting nods to early psychedelia and garage rock records. Stylistic switch ups and extended jams means you never know when you’ll be carried down a river of feel-good day tripper jangles or when you’ll end up in a fuzz-fuelled maelstrom.

Formed in 2021 as the South African Covid lockdown ensued, the band had the opportunity to play one sold out first show at Aandklas Stellenbosch, to a frothing home crowd before the plug was pulled on live music in SA. The band utilised the following months to meticulously craft their sound and live set with a new melodic, yet high energy take on the psych rock revivalist roots that are inherent to their DIY Cape Town rock scene. The trio dropped a four-track EP, Adieu Or Die, as well as a double-single release complete with a surprisingly topical, moody music video which premiered on It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine in 2022. A few tours and larger shows followed, including festival slots at That 70s fest, That Spring Fest, Pangea and Helter Skelter, sharing stages with international acts such as Bongloard, Goblyns and local favourites such as Desmond and the Tutus. Relentless performances saw the band being voted as a finalist for Let’s Get Local’s top band Cape Town, and releases were featured on local radio stations, SA Alternative Top 20 chart and playlists such as Spotify’s SA Rock.

Moskitos reopened their account in 2024 with several singles that lean into the more gritty garage rock sound and energy they cultivated at their live shows, whilst maintaining the methodical musical and lyrical approach to piecing together a sonic journey that draws the listener in from their inception. The band has always found a home in blending psychedelic guitar manipulations and infectious hooks, drawing inspiration from iconic acts like The Kinks and Nuggets-era bands, but in equal measure they embrace the diverse musical tastes of the three members that range from Black Sabbath to the Beach Boys.

On the band's recent single release, the band’s guitarist/vocalist Pete Labuschagne had the following to say: "Woman encapsulates the essence of Moskitos - it’s composed emotional existentialism that shifts gears to unapologetic garage-rock with a good mix of wandering off into weird little pockets of soundbites before we bring everything back together.”

Moskitos are poised to drop their anticipated debut full LP, “Mirage”, in August 2024. “Mirage” shows Moskitos at their most visceral - a relentless journey where with every heartbeat one wonders what will happen next.