PIAF: Mosquito Coast, Frankie Cosmos and Margaret Glaspy

It’s been some time since we’ve had a chance to see hometown heroes, Mosquito Coast, perform in our neck of the woods. Since their atmospheric rise to popularity after winning Triple J’s Unearthed High, it seems the band have simply been too busy to spend time with us. Only ever once seeing the band in their early days, it was interesting to see just how much the multitude of touring dates have helped Mosquito Coast mature and refine their beach-pop sounds. What transpired was a reverb heavy forty minute set of old and new bangers alike, a true ode to the musical prowess of the band. Despite how popular the band has recently become, it was heartening to see just how genuine the band was, coming across as authentically thankful for the reception they were receiving. Too often do said bands forget their roots, Mosquito Coast being a welcome exception to the rule.

Speaking of genuinely warm people, Frankie Cosmos was the next act of the night. After having the chance to speak to vocalist Greta Kline, I was ecstatic at the opportunity to see her band perform live. I was told to expect some crying, weird idiosyncrasies, and some old and new songs. Frankie Cosmos delivered on all fronts, their pop minimalism taking on a whole new persona when performed with earnest conviction, strange choreography and elements of humour. Kline influencing her keyboardist into singing about losing her voice, after losing her voice earlier that day, was a particularly funny moment. Much like Mosquito Coast, Frankie Cosmos seemed genuinely thankful for the reception of the Perth crowd, even going as far to remember the name of a fan that they had met earlier that day, and dedicating a song to her. The band assured us that they would be back soon with their new album. I sincerely hope that’s a promise that they can keep.

Lastly was American singer/songwriter Margaret Glaspy. Off the back of her enormous album Emotions and Math, Perth has had to wait quite a while to hear it performed. A comparison between Glaspy and Angel Olsen was made to me just before the performance. While I can agree that some of the aesthetic is comparative, Margaret Glaspy thrives in the minimal, her distinct guitar tones seldom lost to any of the other instruments in her arsenal. Glapsy’s bluesy, soulful voice is really what distinguished her from any of the other acts that night. While the music of Mosquito Coast and Frankie Cosmos’ music was far more inclined to have a meek vocal aesthetic, Glaspy has a loud, brazen, bold and completely mesmerising voice. Moments of quiet reflection juxtaposed with snarls of raw emotion kept the crowd on its toes for the duration. Closing out the night, Glaspy also expressed just how keen she was to return to her receptive Perth audience. If all these musicians stick to their word, we’re going to have a very busy year.