Mates of State

Here's the backstory behind indie-pop duo Mates of State: Organist

Kori Gardner and drummer Jason Hammel were each involved with other

people when they initially met 10 years ago. But sparks flew, daily

e-mails were exchanged, and soon the two were inseparable. Then they

got married . . . and they're still happy. Blechhhh! I know, I know.

But the grudging truth is that these kids are fucking adorable. Albeit

the cheese factor is high. But Mates of State use it to their

advantage. Their songs are filled with call-and-response verses,

harmonized choruses, and swinging tempos that make for some of the

sweetest indie-pop around. I don't care if you've got the heart of

Cruella De Vil, I promise this googly-eyed couple and their newest

release—Re-Arrange Us, which dropped May 20th on Barsuk—

will get to you. Sonic Boom Records, 2209

N.W. Market St., 297-2666. 6 p.m. Free.

ERIKA HOBART

Tue., May 27, 6 p.m., 2008