Connecticut, something to hate since 1788, this is a little rhyme I like to use to explain to people exactly how boring the state I live in is. Despite being smack dab in the middle of the Northeast’s greatest cities, New York City and Boston, Connecticut (or where I live in it) is hideously boring. Nothing cool happens here, and don’t get me started with the local music-scene. Nearly non-existent, it is truly a rarity for a CT band to hit it (mildly) big. So when one does, I always take the time out of my equally non-existent schedule to check them out. When I found out Mates of State, authors of the absurdly catchy single
Goods were from my state, I had to listen to a whole release. That release was their newest, 2006’s
Bring it Back .
Mates of State make their music as a duo, related by marriage. Unlike most duos the mainstream has seen, Mates of State do not use the guitar and drums format. Instead they use the much more pleasant sounding format of organ and drums. Together Kori (Organ, Vocals) and Jason (Drums, Vocals) create sometimes beautiful sometimes catchy indie pop. It’s not confusing music, not complex or technical, but Mates of State’s brand of sound is pleasant to the ears and truly fun to listen to.
The vocals on songs like Bring it Back are great and emotional, both members of the band sing, some at separate times, mostly together. Whether it be the dual vocal attacks like uber-poppy first single “Fraud in the 80’s” or perfectly blending harmonies like on ballad “Like U Crazy”, Jason and Kori sound quite good singing together. The lyrics that make up these vocal patterns are quite clever and funny as well.
I'm suffering lonely ones too/ And I can't resist sending this on a whim/ There's a compulsion to mend/Write on the wall, my loudest pen goes is an example of Mates of State’s lyrical wit that comes from previously mentioned “Like U Crazy”.
The actual songs that Mates of State make as a whole are great. They can be catchy and fun or hauntingly beautiful. Sometimes coming one after another (See What it Means’s [an example of the later] transition into For the Actor). The organ melodies are striking and very melodious and manage to be hardly cheesy at all. And to keep things interesting the organ tones change from song to song. From lightly distorted on “Fraud in the 80’s” to straight up acoustic piano on the beautiful “Nature and the Wreck”. Being a drummer myself I can honestly the drumming on Bring it Back isn’t all that great, but it gets the job done, especially since Jason, the drummer sings on every song while he plays drums, which is a very hard task. And now on to the actual descriptions themselves…
Top 3 Tracks
Fraud in the 80’s , the first single off of Bring it Back is a catchy indie pop anthem. Quirky lyrics roll off of Kori’s tongue overtop quirky, fun distorted organ melodies and a fairly simple drum beat. “And you will surely find this, you will surely find this pleasing to your ears” both band members sing in the choruses, and it’s hard not to join in. Fraud ends quietly with a fading organ melody.
What it Means is a simple, pretty song. Slow, piano driven verses transform into of majestic soaring choruses, which are quite pleasant to listen to. This songs vocals are driven mostly by Jason which is slightly odd, as most are sung by Kori, the organ player. Nothing in this song is all that complex, simple drums, simple melodies, simple lyrics but for some reason this song particularly stands out to the rest the tracks.
The final track on the album is also the longest and one of the best. This is a combination all albums should have. The first chord of
Running Out , a drak, brooding one is misleading, as the next is quite happy sounding. Chords fall on top of each other and the verse is laid down for Kori’s beautiful voice. Uplifting choruses serve as good breaks to the verses,
Tired of singing oooooooohhhh both members sing on top of the added snyth-strings. Again there is nothing complex about this song, but all the parts together form something beautiful. In my opinion a (near) perfect way to end the album.
Bring it Back is a solid effort, it’s fun, clever and different. A simple record to say the least, Bring it Back is made up of short organ riffs, east drum patterns and melodic vocals. None complex at all, but when brought together create one great sound, well deserving of a…
3.4/5
-Dan
