Mates Of State, Our Constant Concern (Polyvinyl) 9
Mates Of State are Jason Klammel and Kori Gardner, veterans of various bands in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1997 they decided that guitars and other band members are superfluous, forming the drums 'n' organ duo. Their shows and debut, My Solo Project (2000) got enough critical acclaim that they felt bold enough to get married, quit their teaching and cancer research jobs and moved to San Francisco. They aren't the first indie-rock duo. The Spinanes did it in the early 90s, as did Quasi and The White Stripes among others. While Quasi might be the closest comparison stylistically, the Mates' harmonies and melodies are far more developed and compelling. Their vocals toe the threshold of dissonance, often shouting in unison like a proto-emo version of Sunny Day Real Estate or Rainer Maria, stripped down to Young Marble Giants size. All of which leads weight to the songs, making them more forceful than twee, and nearly always uplifting. Our Constant Concern is a sturdy set of tunes that promise entertainment as solid as their marriage.
