Mates of State Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
Giving a record a title like Re-Arrange Us might imply some kind of shift in sound or approach but on Mates of State album of that title, there is nothing of the sort taking place. In fact, the album continues along the path the band has plotted out over their last couple releases with more piano and less organ, a glossy, slick feel that's radio ready and super-hooky tunes that are both sing-along friendly and emotionally powerful. "Get Better" sets the tone of the album right away with a sunshine-y melody, smooth production and sentiments like, "Forget all your politics for awhile/Let the color schemes arrive." It's a near perfect summer jam, almost too perfect as the rest of the album never quite recaptures the glorious feeling the song provides. Some come close though. "Help Help," with its '80s synths and fuzzed organ; "My Only Offer," with a majestic piano part and beautiful vocals from Kori Gardner; and the positively exuberant "Jigsaw" are the kind of songs indie rock bands would kill for. Gardner and Jason Hammel are becoming adept at creating big, shiny records with a real-life heart beating beneath. Indeed behind the pretty melodies and sing-along choruses are some tough sentiments with talk of losing fights and cold sweat on "You Are Free," long lost love on "Blue and Gold Print," and desperate battles on "The Re-Arranger." It's a fully realized album that will appeal to indie fans that like some sugar with their sadness, some sour with their sweetness. Most of all it will go down like honey for Mates of State fans who have been following the band's progression from an edgy lo-fi duo to the indie rock hit making machine they have so gracefully become. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Bring It Back is Mates of State's fourth album and their first for new label Barsuk. Usually by the time of a band's fourth album they start to sound like the last half of their new label's name. That's not the case here, not by a long shot. The duo of Kori Gardner (various keyboards/vocals) and Jason Hammel (drums/vocals) have actually improved, and the album sports stronger songs, a fuller sound, more emotional weight, and an exuberant soul that spills out of the speakers like milk and cake at a kid's birthday party. It's hard to pinpoint what makes this record more satisfying than the rest of their excellent back catalog. Perhaps it is the reliance on more piano than usual, maybe the richer vocals of Gardner, maybe the punchy and powerful production from Bill Racine, or that the band has added some guitar and bass to their sound. It's a combination of all that, but most of all it's the number of memorable songs, which count among some of the best of their career. There are songs with surging vocal harmonies ("Beautiful Dreamer," "So Many Ways"), songs with choruses that inspire you to add your own heartfelt vocal contributions ("Fraud in the 80s," "For the Actor"), songs with spine-tingling dynamic shifts ("What It Means," "Think Long"), songs that make a fuzzed-out organ seem like the coolest possible instrument, ("Punchlines"). A song like "Running Out" (a monumental epic that starts as a simple ballad and builds to a heart-wrenching climax complete with a vocal choir) shows how assured and interesting the band has become. Mates of State started off their career as a kind of curiosity (no guitars!) but have grown into the kind of group where you can't wait to see what they will do next, even if it is only to release records like Bring It Back that strengthen and perfect their formula. Mike Love would be proud. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Mates of State are the husband-wife duo of Kori Gardner on keys of various types and Jason Hammel on drums and occasional keys as well. They both sing with innocent gusto, and their charming voices remind one of wonderful indie pop bands like Papas Fritas and Butterglory in the way they intertwine and twist with naïve fervor. They sound like real people singing about real things, and that is kind of exciting. And they don't use guitars of any kind. And you don't miss them either! Team Boo is the band's fullest sounding, most energy-filled record yet. The duo called in Jim Eno of Spoon and John Croslin, who has worked with Spoon also as well as Beulah and the Mates on their first disc, to produce. Together they have concocted a record that leaps out of the speakers with a feeling of manic joy and excitement. Songs like "Fluke," "Ha Ha," and "Gotta Get a Problem" dance with the energy of kids and reel with the flush of first love. Every now and then the record slows down the pace and deals with heavier issues like on the stately "Parachutes (Funeral Song)" or "An Experiment," but even these songs are blessed with killer hooks and Gardner's and Hammel's angelic vocals. Team Boo is a record that will make even the staunchest nonbelievers believe in the power of simply played, honest, and energetic pop music again. Listening to Mates of State will clear out any gloom that may be in your system in a flash and replace it with pure sunshine. Heck, Team Boo could be the most innocent, charming, and believable record of 2003. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide
'Our Constant Concern'
Release Date 1/22/2002
Tracks 10
Label Polyvinyl
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Mates of State's Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel opted to give up their day jobs in their native Lawrence, KS, for the rock & roll hills of California in order to make music their life. What an ambitious move. While spending most of 2001 on the road with the Anniversary and Beulah, the duo crafted what would become some of their most delightful pop songs. A stunning follow-up to 2000's My Solo Project, Our Constant Concern includes Mates of State's sugary pop hooks inside whimsical synth loops for ten indie love songs that breathe a life of their own. Bright-eyed Gardner isn't shameful of being in love. Neither is her musical mate and real-life companion, Hammel, and both frolic with deep lyrical conversations. Their harmonies are young but charming. Gardner's songs, like "Halves and Have-nots" and "Girls Singing," twinkle organ tones. "Quit Doin' It" stomps around with a sassy manner and indie rock stylings showcase what a perfect fit Mates of State really are. Their relationship is their musical storybook and Our Constant Concern playfully suggests that love can really be beautiful. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Bursting with euphoric energy, My Solo Project is a tremendous debut full-length from San Francisco's Mates of State. With organ, drums, and belted-out boy-girl harmonies, the Mates of State crank out a giant, joyous pop sound that needs no overdubbing or ornamentation to convey its exuberance. The keys-fronted lineup begs comparison to bands like Ben Folds Five and Quasi, but the Mates of State have built a freshness all their own, rejuvenating indie pop with unbelievable vigor. Vocalist/organist Kori Gardner has a honey-sweet voice that shifts easily from languorous to explosive within single songs, deftly intertwining with drummer/vocalist Jason Hammel's punctuated yell-singing. The band's bouncy live sound excels on songs "La'hov" and "Everyone Needs an Editor," while songs like "Nice Things That Look Good" and "Ride Again" prove a solid ability to slow down and noodle. The momentum of My Solo Project is further sustained by the varied tempos and rhythms -- just a little loose around the edges -- that build from one to the next in a way that rigid rock beats so often miss. The simple, repetitive lyrics take on a poetic, jazzy quality, as one singer maintains the chorus line while the other solos with words -- reminiscent of fellow West Coast indie rock duo the Halo Benders. With this all-round impressive debut of passionate, accessible pop/rock, the Mates of State breath fresh excitement into the indie scene in a big way. ~ Michelle Cross, All Music Guide
