winners

Mosquito Coast Takes Out Triple J Unearthed High

The results are in for triple j’s annual Unearthed High competition and the winner is a breezy two-piece outfit dubbed Mosquito Coast. But their music is far less gloomy than their name might suggest (a throwback to the 1986 film which featured a very anxious Harrison Ford on its poster).

“Mosquito Coast squeezed Call My Name into Unearthed High mere days before the competition closed but since then those charming, breezy hooks have been stuck to the ears of triple j listeners and presenters alike,” commented Unearthed Music Director Dave Howe. “Just as Call My Name is filled with a magnetic spirit, discovering Mosquito Coast has been a true joy and we couldn’t be prouder to call them our Unearthed High champs for 2015.”

Their winning track is an almost nostalgic acoustic ditty overlaid with beachy, summery vibes. It’s charming in a sense that could easily border on twee if it wasn’t for singer Naomi Robinson’s vocals, which are carefree and genuine and somewhat reminiscent of San Cisco – which is no surprise, with both bands hailing from Perth. The song’s simple production is rounded off by drummer Conor Barton. The boy-girl duo met at fourteen years of age and have been producing music in Naomi’s garage ever since – we couldn’t think of a cuter origin story if we tried.

Previous winners of Unearthed High include the much-acclaimed Asta (who is currently on a nationwide tour) and Japanese Wallpaper who we talked to during his recent tour for his new EP. We’re positive that Mosquito Coast has just as bright a future in front of them, if this new single is anything to go by.