depravity and gravity have always got a grasp on me.

My favorite husband and wife team Mates of State have long been the subject of all-day treks to New York and Philadelphia in order to partake in their splendiferous live shows which boast jarringly beautiful melodies screeching out of organs, keyboards, synths, and drums.  The indie duo, who were hitched in 2001 after ditching their day jobs (as a teacher and a cancer researcher, no less – talk about model America) recently welcomed a second daughter – and a brand new album.  In order to usher in the new release, the couple hit the road once again for a nationwide tour.  Their first stop? Wonderbar in Asbury Park, New Jersey – a mere five minutes from my house.  

Naturally, my friends and I skeedaddled over to Asbury, ordered a couple of brews, and meandered stage-side for a stately delight.  The last time Roommate and I saw them, wife Kori was feigning ill and invited audience members to flank her organ and belt out the tunes themselves, into her high-powered microphone, of course.  Sure, this was a cute idea for the first song, but by the fifteenth zitty, tone-deaf teenager, we were a bit spent and a bit brain-dead.  However, this latest show offered true redemption for darling duo, who not only delivered a smashing set that made me dance my little boots off, but also candidly (and adorably) posed for a few of my personal Polaroids (which I’m too lazy to scan).  Hats off, Mates – you may be parents, but you’re catchier than ever.

Check them out for yourself here.