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Mates of State Bring it Back
Barsuk
When people think of smashingly talented husband and wife musician duos, typically the first to come to mind would have to be the infamous Johnny and June Cash. Undoubtedly they are historically significant in the music industry and in a league of their momentous own having become nothing short of music legends. Having said that, I think it is time for another amazingly talented pair to be in the spotlight: Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel – the husband and wife duo who compose the feisty and ferociously catchy Mates of State.
After quitting their day jobs and getting married in 2001 the peppery pair hit the streets with their unique and unquestionably intriguing sound that tempt the listener into being nothing short of gleefully amused. The zappy twosome composes music that is a profusion of resonance and harmony by way of bass-heavy organ, originative drumming, and deliciously layered and zestful dueling vocals. They often remind me of a mixture of the Dresden Dolls and Fiery Furnaces. Maybe this is because they’re a male/female team, or because they’re peerless piano is so haunting to hear, regardless of the reason they are bewitching and addictive in nature.
So far the Mates of State have released three full length albums as well as numerous singles and EP’s. Fans can be elated because their latest release signed with Barsuk Records Bring it Back is due to hit the streets on March 21st. Barsuk Records has also signed other tasty heavy hitters such as Starlight Mints, Viva Voce, and Rocky Voltato. Sadly I’m a newbie to the Mates but after just one initial listen I find myself telling everyone I come in contact with a delicious treat they are to any listener with admirable musical tastes. It almost reminds me of that giddy and excited feeling I had being five years old and waking up on Christmas morning, and that’s a rare consciousness indeed.
The opening track “Think Long” is a key track and after initially hearing it I was delightfully hooked on them forever more. “It doesn’t have to feel so good” entrancingly echoes through the listeners ears taunting for more. The space-like, futuristic track entitled “Fraud in the ‘80s” is right on the money with sublimely chipper lyrics: “You will surely find us pleasing to your ears, pleasing to your ears”. “Like U Crazy” is my favorite song on the album and has essentially the most heavenly piano and vocals that it truly makes my heart swoon to hear it over again. “What it means” reminds me of a song straight out of the sitcom “Wonder Years” with its sixties sound and engagingly simple yet captivating lyrics and repeated strokes of the ivory.
What’s so fascinating to me is that the songs vary on so many levels: lyrically, stylistically, rhythmically, harmonically, and even general direction, but they arrive at the exact same place every time - solid gold material. Currently the Mates are feverishly touring the United States and have dates tentatively scheduled through April. They have been described by critics as “a band you must see live” and I’m dying to jump on that bandwagon. Sadly, they’re not making a stop in Los Angeles as of yet, but I suppose that’s what road trips are for and nothing is better than road-worthy music in my book, which the Mates of State definitely qualify for.
