Mates of State

Mates of State make a lot of beautiful noise for a duo consisting primarily of keyboards and drums. It’s the aural equivalent of a clown car. You think the last new note has left the speaker, but Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner somehow squeeze out another one.

A stunning feat, too, is this mere four-song EP, All Day, which richly rewards listeners by not wasting a moment. It starts off fun with the skipping beats of "Goods," a tune that will test your ability to sit still. The dancing drum beats and kicking keys are only part of Mates of State’s charm. The harmony vocals and interesting (though not always decipherable) lyrics go a long way in explaining the many spins this disc will get. As my wife said, "I don’t even know what the words are, but I’m already singing along." Fortunately lyrics are included, but don’t ruin the fun of trying to guess them first.

"Along for the Ride" is the other undeniable track here, with a chorus that rings out a little like The Polyphonic Spree. "Drop and Anchor" is a tender ballad reminiscent of The Beautiful South. Also included is a stellar cover of David Bowie’s "Starman." Mates of State are the big top, a cotton candy confection with a lion’s roar and trapeze artist’s flight. - Jeff Kamin

Mates of State's 2004 EP All Day is a disappointment. Not because of the music -- no, that is as sunny and brilliant as ever -- but because the duo didn't deliver a full-length album instead. Once you get over the initial pain of that, you are left with four wonderful tracks that are some of their best, fullest, and most melodic work yet. The songs are again built around Jason Hammel's drums; Kori Gardner's piano, organ, and synths; and the couple's beautifully artless vocals. This time there is a little bit of guitar thrown in, too. "Goods (All in Your Head)" and "Along for the Ride" are typically twisting, energetic indie rock songs played with an excess of brains and power. "Drop and Anchor" is a departure, a pretty piano ballad with back-and-forth vocals that take a while to meet, but when they do it creates sparks. Their cover of David Bowie's "Starman" is painless fun, one of the chirpiest covers of a Bowie tune you are liable to hear. Four songs are better than none, especially when they signal that Mates of State are getting better. Bring on the next album! ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide