MATES OF STATE
Team Boo (Polyvinyl)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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The Mates of State's album Team Boo left me with that undecided feeling - almost. On one hand, it possesses one of the best, most distinctive girl/boy interplays I've ever heard and is as good a statement making album as Quasi's Field Studies which help solidify 'emo,' what is now an indie rock staple. It goes from quirky, circus keyboards and carnivals sounds to a strangely sweet lull. "Parachutes" is upright sugary pop, a straight shooting trunk in a forest of crooked trees, hiding in its shadows the catchy rapids of "Fluke" which rolls and tumbles, catchy whitewater.

On the other hand, Team Boo starts off with a couple of jerky, almost disorienting songs. The magic between Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner takes time to develop and the beginning might scare off some listeners. It isn't until song three, when the fore mentioned "Fluke" kicks off the fun, that the real intriguing music begins.

All told, the Mates of State have chemistry, talent without ceiling and overall Team Boo really does well in showcasing that. Their sound is great, the song craft stunning in places - try the hypnotic "Gotta Get A Problem" - and they package their product beautifully to boot. Just getting past the awkward beginning should be enough to convince most people of that face.

© 2003 - Erick Mertz