Husband-and-wife, indie-pop outfit Mates of State consistently challenge the perceived limitations of a two-piece with their effortless harmonies and minimal pop appeal. One reviewer describes the band as “two people playing complex songs that sound like five people playing a simple song.” Kori Gardner (keyboard/vocals) and Jason Hammel (drums/vocals) formed Mates of State in 1997 and have been carving out a name for themselves on the indie-rock scene ever since. The musicians move easily between softer songs tinged with melancholy to get-up-and-dance pop tunes. The duo perform at The Mothlight on Thursday, July 24, at 9:30 p.m. $15. Asheville’s Doc Aquatic also plays. themothlight.com. Photo courtesy of the band
Smart bets: Mates of State
![mates-of-state copy](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mates-of-state-copy-1100x946.jpg)
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