Mates of State @ Underground Arts.

Text and images by Greta Iverson.

Mates of State brought their super upbeat vibes to Underground Arts last night and kept the crowd hyped with their newest jams.

The husband-wife duo of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel played a variety of songs from their seven full albums. The group managed a modest crowd that brought a ton of energy and adoration.

The band roused an intense response from the crowd with the song, “Ha Ha,” from their 2003 album Team Boo. From their 2011 release, Mountaintops, the band played “Unless I’m Led” and “Palomino.” “The Re-arranger” from the 2008 album Re-arrange Us especially showed of the Gardner’s skills on the keys.

Gardner and Hammel were involved in a 4-person rock band before they eventually married and started Mates of State and devoted their lives to their music and touring. Gardner is a master of the keyboard and Hammel is the groups skilled rhythm guy with the drums.

The opening act, Alec Ounsworth, was scheduled to perform songs by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and delievered a variety of electronic songs, including one cover of Frank Ocean’s “lost.” His set was short but chill, full of easy to listen to electro pieces.