Mates Of State - My Solo Project

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 27 / 3 / 2004

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Review

With a new album imminent for release in the UK, we shallt remember Mates Of States' previous offering. 'My Solo Project' is all-American right down to the core of it and brings back happy New Wave Top 40 days like those we shared with the Shirts, Blondie and so on. Alas, there is very little original about Mates Of States, but just the same their debut album is enjoyable. Overall, however, Mates Of State put too many punches down the line. Kori Gardner's sarcasm and her self-consciousness in the end got on my nerves. This isn't an album for happy loving couples, so if you're struggling after a divorce and searching for revenge, this is certainly a record that you'll love. You'll find enormous pleasure in the clashing 80's organ riffs while chant-like choruses extend these 3 minute wonders. Mates Of State do a little too much of this , however, for their own good. You have to bear in mind though that more often than not I've been wrong with bands that later on went to make it.

Track Listing:-

1 Names
2 Proofs
3 What I Could Stand For
4 La'hov
5 Nice Things That Look Good
6 A Control Group
7 Throw Down
8 I Have Space
9 Everyone Needs An Editor
10 Tan/Black
11 Ride Again
12 More In Me