There aren’t many bands that tip past the 5 year mark in their career these days, but Mates of State are in it for the long haul, currently celebrating their seventeenth year as a band. So what better way to celebrate then to put out a greatest hits compilation? ‘Greats’ highlights the band at their best over the last decade, reviving their high energy synth-pop tracks like ‘For the Actor’ and ‘Fraud In the ’80s’ that show off their infectious pop hooks, and slotting them in-between the bands more delicate, melodic songs.
‘Palomino’ sets the record off perfectly. With sky-scraping layers of synths and the soft dual vocals of husband-and-wife team Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel blend together seamlessly, broadcasting the polished vibrant sound the couple have crafted so well over the years.
‘Unless I’m Let’ maintains the sentimental value it held on the album ‘Re-Arrange Us’ back in 2008. Four years on the lyrics are still just as relatable (“I can feel the air pushing and pointing out / That it’s not fair that I can’t ride alone unless I’m led”), a sure affirmation of how the Connecticut based duo’s song writing has stood the test of time. The track ‘Mistakes’ however wouldn’t have been missed on this record. It’s a great song with plenty of heart, but doesn’t compliment the compilation and isn’t quite as much of a sing-a-long as you would like it to be. This is soon forgotten when penultimate track ‘The Re-arranger’ kicks in and we’re back to the compelling Indie-Pop we started with, tied up with the triumphantly uplifting ‘Sway’.
Maintaining a long lasting career has been proven near impossible in recent years for smaller bands, but Mates of Sate are the exception. They haven’t changed the world, or made a huge dent in their genre; but seven albums and three EP’s later they are still standing and releasing even more new music this year. This comes in the shape of a new EP: ‘You’re Going to Make It’ due out in June. Just in time for summer, this complication will be the perfect soundtrack for hot days and long drives. ’Greats’ is an open door for new listeners to find the band, and an old one for the fans to revisit and reminisce about.
LUCINDA LIVINGSTONE