Grade: B+
The caffine-packed sounds of Mates of State married couple Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner seem to have an extra shot of espresso on their latest album “Mountaintops.” With catchy opening tracks “Palomino” and “Maracas,” the electro-synth pop music the band is known for is reiterated. Despite the multiple electronic textures, their sound is warm and welcoming, similar to a good friend’s garage band. A few songs address trials and tribulations that no doubt occur between any couple, especially one that spends countless hours together creating music. Although the lyrics are sometimes a bit daft, songs like “Desire” and “Mistakes” deviate from the dance-and-shout vibe of the majority of their songs and delve into deeper emotions. But still, this organ and drum duo’s sad songs are happier than most bands’ happy songs.