We were excited to spend some time with Mates of State when they made their last trip through Boston last year.  Stopping by to film a few songs off their latest release, Mountaintops, we spent the early afternoon recording some stripped-down versions.   Kori and Jason, joined by Kenji Shinagawa on guitar and John Panos on trumpet, turned the songs into something just a little different for us.

Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Mates of State must acknowledge how incredibly nice they are, and how they often bring along their children when they tour.  Though they did not have the kids when we filmed, they were indeed very nice.  You can tell when a band seems more like a family, and in this case, they mostly are.  You can read more about that aspect of their lives at Kori’s blog, Band on the Diaper Run.

As for the music, it was wonderful to hear these poppy, lively tunes stripped down ever so slightly.  With the trumpet popping in every now and again to punctuate the rhythm of each song, and the backbone of Kori’s keyboard, the songs felt familiar yet comfortably mellowed.  We hope you enjoy!

First up, Sway:

Next, My Only Offer:

And finally, Desire:

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