Mates of State - Bring It Back

Take the duo dynamics of The Raveonettes, strip away the brash guitars in favor of organ and drums spewing forth insanely catchy pop melodies and beats, and you’re getting closer to Mates of State. Mate of state Jason Hummel plays second fiddle to wife Kori Gardner, at least in the vocal department. Her alternately strong then vulnerable voice powers through each song. From the darkness of the background, Hummel’s voice will appear and engage before disappearing again. The result is quite fetching. If these mates are the crew, then vocals are the boat that’s floating them - and what a harmonic vessel it is. The ‘Mates’ create a sound that is joyfully defiant. Their fourth full-length release (first on the Barsuk label), Bring It Back, is a tight production laden with hooks and lyrics that quickly burn into your mind. For the most part, this is quite acceptable, but I will raise a warning flag about a particular track that reminded me of the ‘Hamster Dance’ Website. Oh no, hamsters… and they’re dancing… aaagghh!!! (Forgive me while I try to shake that one). My final prognosis is that Bring It Back is fun, dangerously catchy, and rather motivational. When I play it, I find myself pursing my lips in thought, bobbing my head inadvertently and wanting to come up with the next big thing. Clever, but not overly so, this is an album you’ll find yourself returning to. Just watch out for the damn hamsters… [www.matesofstate.com]