Early Warning: Mates of State and Black Kids

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 13, 2009 8:15PM

Mates Of State comes through town in April with Black Kids providing the opening salvo for the evening. Black Kids' debut didn't quite change the world as many overeager bloggers predicted it would, but the perspective provided in the months since the fervor has dies down shows the debut still stands up as a dandy little slice of disposable hooks adorning a passel of fun little tunes. Their live show has progressed nicely and we thoroughly enjoyed their engaging set last year at Lollapalooza.

Mates Of State occupy the other end of the spectrum as their offering from last year, Re-Arrange Us, has only grown more rich upon repeated listens. It passed under our radar as just another well constructed disc from the husband-wife duo upon its release, but further listens reveal ever deeper layers revealing themselves each and every time. Their rolling rhythms and intertwining vocals seduce and create a spell that hypnotizes you into dancing in place.

The album hits an early high point within the chorus of “Get Better” as the bridge and chorus builds around the repeated lyrics “Forget your politics for a while / Let the color schemes arrive” that suddenly explode against the cliffs of the soaring “Everything's gonna get lighter, even if it never gets better!” and flies into the skies above. But things DO get better. And they stay that way. And we all ride a constant high created by this playful duo intent on bringing us up to their level. And if you think the album sounds intense wait until you see them live as Jason Hammel leans into his kit and spits out vocals that force his neck into odd contortions and Kori Gardner goes from pulling a lilting arpeggio from her keys to bashing out violent chords that shudder and shake the stage under her.

Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon.

Mates Of State photo from their MySpace