Mates of State have always been my favourite two piece. They’ve done a lot with just an organ and some drums. None of their records have sounded too much like the last, they’ve always kept it fresh. On their new album, Re-Arrange Us, they decide to throw some more instruments to the mix.

Out is the organ, and in comes a grand piano, and synthesizers. They flesh out their sound with strings and guitars, and even some guest backup singers. On their first couple of records, I always felt their singing felt very DIY, but their harmonies were so perfect and charming it didn’t matter. But on this album Kori’s voice has never sounded better.

All the aspects that make me love Mates of State are still there, the back and forth singing, the harmonies, and that charm that just radiates through them. This album sounds like Mates of State growing up. With 2 kids now, I guess they kinda are. Or they’re just getting better. Get Better! yeah…

Mates of State - Get Better

Mates of State - My Only Offer

You should buy their records!

The Stills’ 3rd album, Oceans Will Rise, is on its way this August, and the first single, ‘Being Here,’ has made its way onto the interweb. After Dave Hamelin assumed the majority of vocal duties on Without Feathers, it’s refreshing to hear Tim Fletcher’s voice taking centre stage again. Hopefully that trend continues on the new album. Though Without Feathers grew on me somewhat, it still doesn’t hold a candle to Logic Will Break Your Heart. The song harkens back to those days with the soaring guitars and whatnot. I like this.

The Stills - Being Here

(Apologies for the Hype Machine link. 56K internet is not conducive to uploading things.)