Pending the proliferation of scream-laden emo rockers, the independent music scene has again switched currents. Tinkering with a marooned emotion called "happiness," indie bands are dusting off ideas untouched since the 1980's. Still others just listen to ska.
As for alternative music, bands like the 'Magnetic Fields,' 'G Love and the Special Sauce,' 'The Polyphonic Spree,' 'The Postal Service,' 'The Shins' and 'Mates of State' suggest hipness is not defined by glossed black hair, tears and converse. Rather it's just self-definition. At least, that's what San Francisco's glowing duo, 'Mates of State' proved at the first keystroke Friday at the Modified.
Newly pregnant keyboardist Kori Gardner and drummer Jason Hammel are noted for their agreeable fusion of controlled chaos. Gardner plays at the helm of a gargantuan analog keyboard. Like a dancer, her fingers strum the ivories, toggling between patches that sonically project her soul. So consummate at their craft, the married couple converses in smiles while their limbs and larynxes mind to the music. No doubt, certain lyrics find roots in inside jokes.
Still more, juicy moog licks and whole-chord harmonies enthralled the audience. But it's hard to use words to paint MOS' sonic portrait. Other reviews call for therapists everywhere to prescribe a MOS album in lieu of antidepressants. To be sure, the drums only underscore the turgid happiness bursting from any of their three full-lengths.
It's the pop elements that evoke our smiles. Every MOS is like one of those flying dreams. Keyboards usher a running start, cymbal clanks sneak in and then vocal harmonies spring the tune far from mediocrity. While flying, audiences witness echo choruses. Then they land in unison in "oh oh"-ish harmonies, creating an immense sound hug.
Meanwhile, the audience members enter into solidarity with each other. Personal space diminishes as couples mirror the aura Gardner and Hammel emit. Suddenly, smiles evolve from thin-lipped pretenses. Those kids who don't normally move jostle with each song's capricious tempo and keyboard patch. For me, it's a warm winter jacket of fat pop-core and spastic ideas.
While Mates of State's keyboards, drums and vocals tantalize, many people don't consider the inherent oddity of the lineup. To clarify, the lack of a guitar and bass break tradition. It's rare to see a keyboard-and-drum blend at all. But a dose of MOS is a drug with a scant recovery rate, as grinning scenesters flock to get their fix at record stores and venues. Nobody questions their instrumentation. Rather, we sway to the birth of a fresh idea.
If nothing else, Mates of State avoid experimentation. This is a plus for the average music-phile who needs earworms to hum during tests or lectures. Still maintaining an inventive sound, it's no surprise the New York Times maintained their debut album "My Solo Project" was one of the unheard best of 2000. Having toured throughout the United States, Europe and Japan, Mates of State straddles the brink of popularity. They might even explode once MTV deems happier music should steal the limelight.
Chris Kark is a reporter for the Web Devil. Reach him at christopher.kark@asu.edu.
