i don't know how Mates of State keeps doing it.when i heard their debut record, My Solo Project, for the first time back in 2001, i was amazed by their originality and energy. i immediately became addicted to the record and it remains one of my favorites.
the problem with a band that is basically a electric piano-drum combo is that there is always a possibility that the music will grow stale. i mean how many times can you flog a one-trick pony before you end up with a dead horse?
of course to say that Mates of State are a one-trick pony is to tragically underestimate them. Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel are accomplished musicians with a real penchant for coming up with catchy pop hooks. it is this consistency that allows Mates of State to transcend the apparent limitations of their choices of instrument.
that brings us to their latest record, Bring It Back. one would expect that after three full length LPs and an EP, Mates of State wouldn't have anything new to say. but once again they surprise us. not only do they deliver a successful record, but they may have delivered the best Mates of State record to date.
usually at this point i tell you what tracks stand out, but it is impossible with this record. all of the tracks stand out. the ideas and themes are so varied and yet are unified by Kori and Jason's steadfast allegiance to the keyboard and drums that they have become known for. It's when a band can accomplish this seemingly paradoxical state of variance and unity that the best records are often made.
and so it is with Mates of State. they have managed to keep going despite their self-imposed limitations and consistently produce great records. it just goes to show that the artist isn't limited by their tools, just by themselves. and Mates of State want the world.
right now, this is definitely THE record of 2006. Grade: A+
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