Mates of State keep it in the family

By: Alex McElroy

Posted: 5/23/08

Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel of Mates of State have understood how to make a great indie record since their first record, "My Solo Project," in 2000, and fortunately they still know how to make one. With their latest album, "Re-Arrange Us," Mates of State is back with the catchy, up-beat songs they have come to call their craft.

Their songs have always combined a handful of sugar with skill, and the songs on this album are no different. The album begins with the single, "Get Better," a song that can most readily be described as attractive.

The lyrics and synth beats will burrow into your brain and follow your every move, iPod or not. They perfectly blend lyrics with beats, featuring lines such as, "Everything's gonna get better / Even if it never gets better." Those might not sound like they would fit with vibrant organ and drum accompaniment, but there is nothing farther from the truth. Gardner's and Hammel's voices mix to create a surreal experience that has a way of making even somewhat sad lyrics sound cheery and vivacious.

The deeper you go into the album, the more intertwined you feel, as if you have become one with the band. They have been criticized for their use of excessively happy tones and have at times even been called bubbly, but there is much more to their songs than a knack for catchy beats. Songs such as "My Only Offer" and "Jigsaw" show off their ability to not only create fun, captivating lyrics, but ones that delve into the coming-of-age associated with first marriages and starting a life.

Their album stays energized throughout, with many songs that could be pictured rubbing their noses and taking frequent bathroom trips. The only times that the album dips into a slow pace are for "Blue and Gold Print" and "Lullaby Haze." Both of these perform very well on their own as ballads but may feel like bit like the answer to the question "Which one of these is not like the other?"

Longtime fans will be able to deal with this change of pace, as it has been seen in previous albums, but newer fans might not be expecting it. By no means are the songs bad; they actually provide a very nice change of pace, but that might not be what you want if you're using the other eight tracks as background music to the dance-off in your basement.

Even if they do get a little sentimental at times, can you really blame them? They are a married couple who seem to be breaking the all the rules: They're still together after their bands performed together in 1997. After meeting they decided to leave their respective bands and perform with each other. They moved to San Francisco and began their motto of "Play. Anywhere, anytime." They performed at house parties and small venues along the California coast. They've moved up in the world since then, touring all across the U.S. and Europe.

In 2001 both Gardner and Hammel quit their jobs to focus solely on the band, and it has paid dividends. Their talents have grown exponentially since their decision to concentrate on music, and I, for one, am glad they did.

Mates of State will perform in Bend with Death Cab for Cutie and The Decemberists on May 24. The band will also be at the Sasquatch Festival. If you have the chance to attend their shows, I would recommend going - they are some of the best performers around, known for their inability to take their eyes off each other without compromising their sound.

The latest album is nothing new, but with the tendency for so many bands to change their sound, it's refreshing that this album is just on-par with their best and won't disappoint longtime fans.

Mates of State
Re-Arrange Us

Grade: A
Check Out: "Get Better," "My Only Offer," "You Are Free"
Skip: Any other CD you may be listening to

Alex McElroy

diversions@dailybarometer.com