Mates of State

Mates of State dropped by Atlanta on their Re-Arranger Tour at venue that had a pretty chill, lounge-like atmosphere with long windows overlooking the city appropriately named The Loft.

I arrived to the concert a little late to catch the entire set of the opening act because I was helping my brother with lighting for his photo shoot which took more time than originally called for because of forgotten and faulty equipment.  But we wont get into that!  As for the opening act, which I believe was called Dirty South....admittedly, I don't even know who they were, but I wasn't particularly a fan of and I'm assuming that nepotism had something to do with their selection as opening act for MoS because from my experience, the opening acts often sound something like the headlining act, but I could be wrong.  All I know is the lead white rapper dude came off as a less talented Fred Durst.  (And I can't believe I just said "talented" and Fred Durst in a sentence...or can I?)

As for Mates of State - they have a great sound live.  I was impressed as to how well their voices compliment each other, though I was a bit thrown off that Jason sang a good bit of the higher octaves.

Kori and Jason have an adorable on stage chemistry.  I guess that should be expected considering their band's moniker is apparently derived by the fact that they are 'mates' sharing the same 'state' of mind.  However, Kori made some quip about the fact that it's not fair that everyone is always playing the air-drums and never the air keyboard...and that there ought to be an air-keyboard revival if there ever was one. 

I must have caught the tail-end of their Re-Arranger Tour because I only see two dates left, one for tonight in Carborro, NC, and another tomorrow in Baltimore, MD.  Go check them out if you're into that kind of stuff. (i.e., twee pop, danceable indie music.)


I placed a few of MoS' songs here on Favetape if you want to give it a spin.