Concert Preview - Mates of State @ The Space

Mates of State are coming back to The Space tomorrow, May 27, for what's sure to be a fun, close-to-home show - and a great way for us (and probably lots of other attendees) to ease into a whole weekend of concerts. (B.O.M.B. Fest is this weekend, too!)

Mates of State at I Am Fest 2010. Photo by Freesia.

We've seen this indie-pop married duo (and their musician friends that they bring along) a number of times live, usually at least once a summer the last few summers, and they never disappoint. Their head-bobbing, catchy tunes - heavy on the drums and synth - are addicting. At this show, we're sure to hear the catchiest of songs that get us dancing the most off their more recent albums, as well as some staples like the sound cloud clip below, "Ha Ha," from 2003's "Team Boo."

Mates Of State - Ha Ha by VanderMusie

The last time we saw Mates was at The Space was an afternoon show - where they were able to bring their kids and the kids got to bring their friends from school. It was adorable. The Space is really the perfect setting to see Mates of State. Just small and intimate enough. And it's on their home turf.

The last time we saw Mates of State in general, they already had some songs from their covers album that was released in 2010, "Crushes (The Covers Mixed Tape)," and they played some of those cover songs plus a lot of their originals from their 2008 album, "Rearrange Us." I'm looking forward to that mix again, and whatever surprises they have in store.

Here's the info for the show:

Friday, May 27, 7-11:30 p.m.

The Space - 295 Treadwell Street, Hamden, CT

$15/All Ages Show at The Space and 21+ to drink at The Outerspace

This will be our first time going to the Outer Space, where we'll probably stop before the show. Another thing to look forward to!

Opening for Mates of State are Bear Hands and The Lonely Forest.

Bear Hands has a pretty cool sound, from what I've heard so far. A band of Wesleyan alums, like the likes of MGMT, Das Racist, and Santigold, they have a unique psych rock sound with lots of echoes, solid drum beats and short and sweet guitar riffs. Plus catchy choruses.



The Lonely Forest kind of sounds like a lot of the power pop I listened to in high school and would see at Warped Tour late high school/early college (circa 2002-2006), but they also have a slight indie feel to their sound. I think it'll be a good show.