[image-4]Published June 12, 2008.
Mates of State
Re-Arrange Us
(Barsuk)
Recent MySpace features and cell phone ads have longtime fans of Mates Of States crying sellout. And while the saccharine sound of the band is undeniably accessible, they are definitely alternative as well. Mates of State are a happily married duo that expertly perform their layered sound, but their new album, Re-Arrange Us, still sounds like pop should sound. Beginning with the mind-numbingly catchy chorus of “Get Better,” the unmistakable chemistry between Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner glide listeners through a memorable album, causing absentminded hums and whistles after only a few listens.
Caley MacLennan
This article appears in Jun 12-18, 2008.
