“For free? Biggest bargain ever,” posted one Mates of States fan on an NYC music blog only hours after the band’s recent concert at Castle Clinton in Battery Park. Similar thoughts must have been running through the minds of many fans, as a meandering line formed to get a hold of free tickets to the show hours before it would begin.
Who knows what was running through the minds of the fans that traveled from locations as far as Texas to see the couple play at Castle Clinton, but it is certainly a confirmation that Mates of State are something special.
Introduced as “the best band in the world,” Mates of State (consisting of married couple Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel) put on a show that had enthusiastic fans cheering and screaming, singing along, and dancing in the aisles despite management’s requests to remain in the seated rows that comprised the outdoor venue. It was clear that the responsive crowd came out for this dynamic duo, not merely for a night of free entertainment.
The audience couldn’t even finish applauding each song before the band had busted into another one to get excited over. Jason poured out drum beats consistently throughout the entire set, unifying each song, whereas Kori’s leads on piano, keyboard, and organ traveled and rather defined them. Both band members expressed a ton of emotion as they sang together; it’s obvious that their lyrics are genuine.
Mates of State performed their sixteen song set in approximately 70 minutes; eight songs from their newest album Bring It Back, five from Team Boo, two from My Solo Project, and one song from the 2004 EP All Day. Mates of State’s songs are dominantly upbeat, but there were a couple of slower jams which kept the crowd dancing nonetheless. Hits like “Ha Ha” and “Fraud in the ‘80s” were performed, along with Kori’s mother’s personal favorite song, “Whiner’s Bio.
” “Parachutes” was not only performed, but dedicated to Kori and Jason’s cat, who is currently sick. One memorable point in the show was certainly the transition at the end of the band’s original song “Like U Crazy” into the current Gnarls Barkley hit, “Crazy,” which received a generally positive response from the audience. This performance certainly turned Mates of State from background music to obsession for many fans.
At first glance, Mates of State’s clean cut appearance may shock fans who are used to hearing their somewhat outlandish music. Contrary to what may be expected of a couple producing such trendy layered beats, both band members were dressed quite simply.
In attendance at the show was Kori and Jason’s one and a half year old daughter, Magnolia, (wearing mismatched cons and oversized headphones), and Kori’s parents.
Kori’s mother reported that her favorite MOS album is the most recent, and Kori’s father made note of how MySpace.com has helped him keep up with many of his daughters’ fans; he could even recognize some faces in the crowd from off the net.
“We’re seriously thinking about moving here,” said Kori mid-set.
She later verified that the couple does indeed have a real estate agent scoping the city for them, but the cost of living in the city may hold them from making a permanent move. The band left the day after the show for a short tour in Australia, after which they will be touring with Death Cab for Cutie (which they are very excited for).
A park worker reported that although Mates of State didn’t draw an excessively large crowd for Battery Park’s Castle Clinton, they put on one of the outdoor venue’s more successful shows.
Castle Clinton, a former immigration station, is now into its 10th year of hosting free cultural events every Thursday. With a gorgeous view of the downtown Manhattan from inside the venue’s castle grounds, it is a truly remarkable location for a musical performance.
Will MOS release another full length album?
We don't know. But if this show is any telling, we surely haven't seen the last of Mates of State.
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