Customer Reviews

Our Constant Concern

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

 

 

Mates of State are a keyboard and drums duo. No guitar, no bass. With that said, they still have a classic pop sound. They charmingly layer the vocals the two singers in a Beatlesque manner and their songs jump about between various hooks and bridges like the Beach Boys on speed. Some people may find this annoying if it's not their bag. But if you're not put off by energetic gleeful melodies you should certainly check out this band. If you're into Beulah or New Pornographers this group makes them seem relatively traditional and calm.

A definite listen is required before purchase. I can understand why this music might rub people the wrong way, the same way a bright light can hurt your eyes. But for people who love to bask in melodic sunlight, ENJOY!

Ok, the MOS write cool keyboardy pop songs with fun vocals... The key word here is fun. Ok, they aren't Radiohead, the other reviews who gave one star need to feel music and not come into something expecting things. They weren't ready for the Mates of State. They rule!

On my first listen, I was pretty disappointed and felt like this album just doesn't live up to their last. What I forgot about is that I wasn't immediately wowed by their first album either. It was only track 6 (A Control Group) that really did it for me and that CD has become one of my favorites of all time. The bottom line with the 'Mates though is that if you don't like their sound at least a little bit when you first hear it, you'll probably never like it. I couldn't possibly be more in love with them than I already am but some of my friends aren't so convinced. Their sound is minimal (to say the least), consisting instrumentally of drums and the Yamaha synthesizer that Kori plays but if you like them, that's probably why. Live, they totally rock and you really see how personal their songs are. If you're new, *definitely* try My Solo Project first or better yet, see them on stage.

i feel lucky to have seen mates of state just a few days ago, the day they released their new album. if you know their first album, my solo project, i'm sure you'll like our constant concern. it's utterly different, but not so much that it makes you wonder what the heck happened. it's the same beautiful, peppy, catchy music, that takes turns you won't expect, with the same senseless lyrics that also--mysteriously--almost start to make sense after several listenings.

true, they still have that same yelling style of singing that some just don't like. but hey, it works for these two. "pretty" singing is overrated anyhow.

Mates of State might best be described as a very talented garage band. They are not highly skilled musicians or vocalists, but they are obviously talented songwriters. What they lack in finesse, and for that matter what the album lacks in production quality, is more than made up for by the arrangements.

One can't help but be impressed by the wall of sound this married-couple duo builds with just two instruments and two voices. And it's not just a noisy sound, though it is enthusiastic on the verge of grating. Jason Hammel mercilessly pounds out rhythms on the drums while Kori Gardner employs the full range of her old-school Yamaha keyboard to good effect. And those wailing vocal harmonies -- they yell together at the top of their lungs, yet the vocals never become gravelly or rough.

It all comes together to form a simple yet well-layered sound with infectious hooks and ecstatic melodies. A bit more polish would turn this quite-good album into to a great album.

High energy, simplistic sound filled with lots of positive, clean fun. It reminds me of Bonnie Hayes and the Wild Combo's "Good Clean Fun" album. Lots of catchy tunes and harmonizing vocals.

Mates of State consists of two musicians, a female keyboardist/singer and male drummer/vocalist (Jason). They are married and they bloom their love for each other and for music into their special sound.

It's great to listen to when you want something fun to listen to.

i saw mates of state recently and as soon as they struck the first note i was a fan. They bring a smile to your face even when you don't want it. Live, they are amazing, they actually make you want to dance and sing, and i didn't even know the words and i don't dance. I guess i could say that the mates of state make you do things you don't want to but that might make them sound like cult leaders...maybe they are. anyway i dont care because they rock.

This only gets a five becuase everyone is saying it's so bad. Well it isn't, though it isn't genious rock operas like you lame asses probably like to listen to, it's just simple pop songs at their greatest. They don't try to be something they're not, this probably the most sincere thing I've ever heard. Two instruments, yet the sound is so full, how is this possible? Listen guys, don't listen to those nay-sayers for they only like complex "deep" music. I am a man who finds delight in simple things and this is a gem. This is such a catchy and simple record, how could it not be great? You people just don't get it, you expect dull songs that are epic I'm guessing. Don't listen to those "deal" kids they don't know good music, they think they do. Though this might admitably not be for everyone, it is still darn good and I will defend this record. Amen.

I really regret that I can offer little about this band that hasn't already been said, but I firmly believe it's the truth. I did see this band play a few days ago, and they blew me away. I wasn't feeling very good that night, and I missed the opening band, but these guys cheered me right up. Halfway through the set, I realized I was smiling uncontrollably. They are so amazing with the amount of sound and the amount of originality they have with their instruments. Jason's drum work blew me away, it was so experimental and crazy and beautiful. The chemistry between them on stage was so abundant and apparent that the only sad thing about the whole night was when I realized my own girlfriend was two hours away. I bought the CD, and told Jason he was awesome, and then I went home. When I got back to my apartment, I played the CD for my roomate, and then put it in to listen to it while i fell asleep. It barely came out of my car radio for the whole weekend, and I found myself blaring it at the garage sales that were happening on my street. I know I'm rambling, but wow! What a fine CD!

Great CD---all I can say is pick it up, you WILL NOT be disappointed!