Mates of State - US

Chris has spent more time at gigs than me lately and has kindly offered to review those he sees....last weekend was Mates of State at the Northcote Social Club.....

Mates of State toured "Bring it back" and I am now hoping they come back after their performance at Northcote Social Club Saturday July 15.

The husband and wife duo were expected by some to bring a band with them but it was just them. Lacking in numbers certainly didn't lack in sound or enthusiasm. Cranking out "Fraud in the 80's" followed up by "Beautiful Dreamer" were two rock solid hits that had the near sell out crowd amazed by the power of a two piece (keyboards and drums). I was thinking that hubby only played the drums and thought the album was layered with wifey's vocals a number of times, but no! He's a high singing freak too.

Stand out tracks on the night "Like U Crazy", "For the Actor", "Running Out" and "Punchlines". I'll be investigating the earlier albums.

As "Fraud in the 80's" lyrically says "You will surely find us pleasing to your ears." I certainly did, I also found her pleasing on the eye (we've already agreed on this Pierce) as no doubt the ladies found him (insert all american good looks).

Those that haven't been to the Northcote Social Club for a gig it has a great little room, about 300 capacity and best of all smoke free! You can get pretty close to the stage so you need not worry about the tallest man in the world standing in front of you as seems to happen to me just about at every gig.

Thanks for the review Chris - I look forward to publishing more reviews of your musical pursuits!