Search - Mates of State :: Team Boo

Charming, Infectious. . . Interesting

A. Seuthe | United States | 01/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mates of State are a keyboard and drums duo. No guitar, no bass. With that said, they still have a classic pop sound. They charmingly layer the vocals the two singers in a Beatlesque manner and their songs jump about between various hooks and bridges like the Beach Boys on speed. Some people may find this annoying if it's not their bag. But if you're not put off by energetic gleeful melodies you should certainly check out this band. If you're into Beulah or New Pornographers this group makes them seem relatively traditional and calm. Team Boo is obviously more polished than their other efforts, with better sound quality and they have upgraded their keyboards for some verasatile synthesizers. This is the perfect first album to acquaint yourself with the band, because it captures their sonic energy much better than their early albums.A definite listen is required before purchase. I can understand why this music might rub people the wrong way, the same way a bright light can hurt your eyes. But for people who love to bask in melodic sunlight, ENJOY!"

Just a note

C. Siewert | CA United States | 06/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a really good album, and you should check it out.I mostly made this review to say that you can get this album cheaper at http://www.matesofstate.com in the shop section, and they will give you stickers and a free sampler of other Polyvinyl records bands."

Sappy Sweet, Shrill, Offensively Catchy

Luke Robinett | 04/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD may as well have been titled "guilty pleasure," because for me, that's exactly what it is. Somehow Mates Of State have made one of the most immediately catchy and captivating albums in recent memory while defying every notion I had of what makes a good "rock album." The songs on this disc are blatent and direct, saturated with unapologetic, childish glee.

The Mates Of State aesthetic consists of a male/female (and in fact husband/wife) vocal attack, shrill, giddy organs and keys, and thankfully ballsy, solid drums holding it all together. The sound here is as blissful as it is ridiculous, a sort of fun-house ride through pulsating organs hammering out bold, instantly hummable melody lines, tight (sometimes shouted) vocal harmonies that resemble Rainer Maria's back-and-forth dynamic, and strikingly upbeat lyrics. The duo manage to cover a broad range of sounds with this seemingly limited setup. The organs hum like bass guitars, squeal like Strats, and spit out all kinds of crazy sounds and textures in between, giving the ultra-sweet pop tunes on Team Boo a truly undefinable sound.

At face value, this approach recalls the gimmickery of the White Stripes girl-and-guy minimalism. But where that duo's shortcomings are apparent (Meg's miserable drumming and a self-conscious attempt to be lo-fi) both "Mates" are very adept at their respective instruments, creating a full, energizing, and completely satisfying sound. And it all sounds completely genuine, devoid of the pretense with which other indie acts of the day deliver their music.

Tunes like "Ha-Ha," "Whiner's Bio" and "I Got This Feelin'" bounce around between absurdly catchy hooks, sing-songy choruses and chaotic organ noise, and ultimately leave you totally disoriented, but wholly pleased with the experience. The Mates ground these bursts of nervous teenage energy with a couple of well-placed mid-tempo pieces. The surprisingly melancholy "Parachutes" finds the duo singing about a couple who sky-dive to their deaths and appreciate the ride together, over a lulling piano line that tugs at the heartstrings as Kori sings "twenty-five seconds to live, and I'm falling." "An Experiment" follows, with a moody, haunting organ fade-in punctuated with analog blips and beeps. A slow build during the verse gives way to a shimmering chorus highlighting perhaps the best lyrical moment on the disc, "I wonder if I could tie the ocean to your knees..." - an achingly beautiful sentiment that feels right at home on an album so overflowing with raw emotion. It's just that the vast majority of that emotion is pure unadulturated bliss, the likes of which is rare in these times of self-consciously serious rock bands and cold, detached electronica. Give this album a spin before you leave for work in the morning, and you're sure to feel somehow a little better about your day."