All right so if someone were to ask me, “Hey Erick, what kind of sound would you like to hear in a band?” Well then I’d be forced to answer “They’d have to be a male/female duo. One of them would have to play drums and the other play piano or occasionally the organ. And finally they would have to meet and form in Kansas.” And what do you know! I come across Mates of State with Kori Gardner on vocals, electric piano, organ, occasional guitar and Jason Hammel on vocals, drum set, glockenspiel, and other various percussion. Read more about them here and then watch this video “Like U Crazy” which really shows many but not all sides of their sound.
I hate to compare them to other bands but some stuff reminds me of a more stripped down Stars, in a good way, and maybe a more lo-fi Postal Service, perhaps? Their latest album is Bring It Back which I definitely recommend checking out, especially if you like the dynamic between a male and female vocalist.
-Erick
