Customer Reviews

My Solo Project

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album from a nobody band from Lawrence, Kansas, has found its way deeply into my heart and into my top 5 of all time list. Their crazy organ riffs and incredibly energetic vocals make you music-happy like you haven't been since you rocked out to Don't Your Forget About Me in your bedroom in the 80's. Never has minimalism sounded so good. While musically they don't necessarily sound alike, Neutral Milk Hotel is one of the only bands I can think of that come close to capturing this kind of emotion with what seems like so little effort. And like NMH, this is one of those CD's that makes me feel okay about never upgrading the...stereo in my car; I blast this until it distorts and then turn it up a little louder. On stage, Jason and Kori are like two Hello Kitty characters gleaming at each other while they sing their lungs out and pound away at their respective instruments and is something that should not be missed. Though it's hard for me to imagine now, the only song that I really liked when I first heard it was A Control Group which remains an unparalleled work of genius.

If you're new and wondering which of their CD's to buy, *definitely* get this one first. I'm certainly a fan of their latest but I don't think they'll ever touch this one.

My husband brought this album home one day, and on the first listen, I really didn't like it. I found it annoying, in fact. But then, they opened up for Cinerama, and my mind was completely changed! They were supercharged! Magnetic, engrossing, charming, refreshing...that sort of thing. It was an odd moment...having my opinion swayed so drastically by a live performance.

So, of course, I listened to the album again, and now it's one of my favorites. Can't wait for the new one! Give this band a chance....they may grow on you...or knock you over the head, like they did me. :) If you have a chance, see them live. They're touring with the Minders, this summer, I believe.

There is no other band that I know of that get's down like these guys to while banging out on the 'ol organ. Although to many the vocals may seem annoying at first, after hearing the second track on the cd I'm sure you'll learn to love it. This cd is a ton of fun to listen and dance to. If I'm ever in a bad mood this is the first cd that I put in. Try it out!

I love it, i can't stop singing along. it's one of those albums where you don't have to skip any tracks. The harmonies are amazing. they both sound so good singing together. i highly recommend you purchase this album!

i first heard about mates from a friend of mine. so i went to their message board and everyone seemed to be amazed by two things: all the noise that two people can make and how in love they are with each other. these things, however, mean very little when it comes to the actual songs. yes, they are a good band and have plenty of potential and yes they are very powerful live. then again so are quasi and royal trux and white stripes and jucifer. while this album has plenty of good tracks, the record on the whole gets a bit boring about halfway through. every song has keyboards and drums. every song has boy/girl vocals either singing in harmonies or octaves etc. that's it. truth be told, they need to spice it up a bit. add a guitar or piano or anything for that matter. again, ignore the volume of their amps and their chemistry on stage and listen to the songs. they're almost there.

I had a rad girlfriend at the time, her name was Devi, she'd just moved up to the NW from Santa Cruz. We'd blast this album from her SUV ( a little out of place considering we were 18, dreadfully poor, and desperate to live) by summer. She was awesome for that, screaming the girl's parts, I'd get the other, it was a simple time... and this one always takes me back. All full organ, powerful drumming, indie harmonies, and probably the sappiest monogamy-inspired lyrics ever. The album is nearly flawless... and it really does stay with you. (sniffs)

My Solo Project may not be the uniquely quirky, synth-based duo's most polished effort, but this worthy debut shows pop mastery in spades from the get go. At times a dueling shout-sing delivery grows weary, but these Mates never let any repetition set in before another infectious emoting hook takes hold. A brief, but bold and diverse enough burst of positivity to belong in any indiefile's collection.

Mates of State is an incredible band. Their voices blend in happy, fun harmonies, and the music is bouncy with the uncommon incorporation of the organ. They are unique and a great addition to any "Indie-Pop" lover's collection.

Unlike another reviewer, I really don't think this is all that much like Papa Fritas. If I had to pick a similar group, I think the obvious choice would be Quasi (they're both 2 member keyboard/drum outfits that sound more like 4 people instead of a duo) - but still, this group is not a carbon copy of Quasi by any means. The vocal interplay is very unique and inviting, the music itself can turn on a dime and take you off in a different direction than you started out on (adventure is always a good thing) - and you really can't fault an album that interpolates the "Cheers" TV theme for it's opening move. It's mostly upbeat and full of melody, but it's never sickeningly sweet. There are a few sequences that are more reflective and those bits are achingly beautiful. Chock full of true DIY spirit, overflowing with sincerity, MY SOLO PROJECT is a treasure. All in all, a solid album that whets my musical appetite for what they're gonna do next.

at first i wasn't too into this album, but once i listened in my headphones, i really began to appreciate the passion and energy that this couple is putting into thier music. with only an organ and drums, and 2 strong voices, these 2 yell at each other in the loveliest way. their lyrics are cutely romantic with the high energy to make you feel good.