Critic's Notebook

Mates of State

If Valentine's Day didn't give you enough room for romance, there's really no better concert to take a sweetie to this week than Mates of State. On the flip side, there's also no worse concert to attend if you're lonely, single and bitter. The husband-and-wife duo -- Jason Hammel on...
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If Valentine’s Day didn’t give you enough room for romance, there’s really no better concert to take a sweetie to this week than Mates of State. On the flip side, there’s also no worse concert to attend if you’re lonely, single and bitter. The husband-and-wife duo — Jason Hammel on drums and Kori Gardner on keyboards — spins sad emo lyrics around simple synth songs. Their dual harmonies are catchy and pretty, but what seals their sentimental spirit is that Hammel and Gardner stare longingly at each other through their entire set. Depending on your mood, you’ll either swoon or gag, so bring a date. Or some Tums.

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