ireallylovemusic.co.uk
mates of state - bring it back
mates of state comprise of happy
in love folks kori gardner and jason hammel, and this is
their first album to get a proper release over in the uk.
see them all loved up on the cover. see them
look all lost and forlorn in their soft focus photo, but open the sleeve and
notice that alongside their musical instruments on display, they also do a
take on an old abba image.
so many revelations on one cover.
minimal budgets, but harbouring an inner
desire to make pop music for the masses and even win eurovision, perhaps ?
for this couple are a new type of duo to hit the
decks following such noise ridden folks like the white stripes,
death from above 1979, lightening bolt etc
while one in the team hits the drums, the other
batters the keys on an old organ that seems to be held together with masking
tape, like some mad new alternative take on 70s supreme full fat pop maestros,
the carpenters.
yet somehow, from this miniscule setup (they have
drafted in friends for a few extra touches like the necessary kazoo solo of
course) they manage to make music that is totally wonderful and rather
special.
a lot of the splendour is down to the sheer
songcraft on offer, these people really love to harmonise and layer their
innocent boy-girl vocals to make up for the limited sonic palette. there is no
point in going into detail for each song, but the opening bars of think
long now sends shivers up my spine as i can't wait for the song to get to
its heart-warming melodies (30 seconds in when the vocals kick in)
and smile inducing chorus (1 minute 7 seconds = game over, i'm won over).
in fact, by the fifth listen, i was completely
smitten with this album, the simple beats and piano tracks like what it
means, the fuzzed up riffs of for the actor are so full of joy
that the over riding emotion is one of sheer pleasure when listening, and
the fact that this album includes some previous vinyl only tracks makes it an
essential package.
excellent timeless lo-fi pop music for people who
want melody rich songs, simple instrumentation, loved up vibes, and care
little for all that is supposedly cool and happening.
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