Albums by this artist

Our Constant Concern (2002)

Mates Of State

Our Constant Concern

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» A.K. GOLD | STAFF WRITER

Mates Of State Our Constant Concern Polyvinyl, 2002 RiYL: Quasi, Spoon, Yo La Tengo

After watching San Francisco male-female duo Mates of State perform last October, I told a friend that "if there was someone with whom I could harmonize like [the pair can], I would surgically attach them to me and make a rule that we were only allowed to converse in harmonized singing." While the sentiment is a bit extreme, the band's three-minute keyboard-and-drum arrangements left a good memory in my head because they're dominated by a fearless, slap-happy vocal delivery that never hides behind hushed tones.

On Mates Of State's second full-length, Our Constant Concern, Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel offer up another set of love-struck, happy-go-lucky songs, but this time the pair's formula of keyboard, drums and two-part vocals limits the quality of the songs, and the bulk of Our Constant Concern blends together into one pleasant -- but unmemorable -- amalgamation.

Despite this, it seems that Mates Of State is beginning to expand their sonic capabilities. "Uber Legitimate" stands out, with its horn-supplemented chorus, and the sudden mood and tempo changes that fill "Quit Doin' It" make use of a bass line which provides a sonic foil to Gardner's saccharine-sounding keyboard. Hopefully the future of Mates Of State includes further instrumental elaboration without compromising the duo's vocal energy.

A.K. GOLD | A.K. Gold lives in Washington, D.C., where she slaves away for a non-profit organization and constantly compares everything to New York City or Chicago. She's earned her "cred" as a college radio and pre-1960 country music DJ, committed indie label street teamer, sporadic zinemaker/contributor, retired mail-order filler and occasional freelance writer. From time to time, she publishes Anecdotal Evidence, a per zine that will some day be considered for the National Book Award, or possibly not. If you want to buy a copy, or desire to write to her for some other reason, email criticgirl@hotmail.com.