I have a friend that often listens to more eclectic music than I do. We’ll bounce bands off of each other, and I’ve found a lot of bands through him that I’ve come to love.

There was one time he asked me to attend a concert in Cleveland, opened by a local magician, a comedian and the band Free Energy, with headliner Mates of State. I said yes, but, to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I really didn’t know if I was going to enjoy any of the events. Sure enough, though, the magician was magical, the comedian was funny and both bands were phenomenal. Mates of State offered a chemistry I’ve never seen in any other band.

Mates of State consists of a husband and wife duo from Lawrence, Kan. Kori Gardner plays many different instruments, while her husband, Jason Hammel, plays mostly percussion instruments. Both of them sing harmony on their songs. Together, they form one of the cutest and most interesting bands I’ll ever see live.

I watched the duo play their instruments, singing with passion on a small stage, while different colored lights washed over their faces. Typically, during concerts, the band looks towards the audience while performing. These two, however, were bold enough to look more at each other than they did anything else. They locked eyes and played an awesome show. It was an energy I’d never seen before, and it was an incredible feeling. For the finale, Free Energy, their opening band, came out with them for an encore where they all played something on stage. It was the coolest collaboration in the world.

The only thing I could say at this point was that I wished I had found them sooner.

Active for over 13 years, with six albums and three EPs released, this band has released a lot of music. As such, I have not been able to hear all their works, considering their albums are a tad bit difficult to get a hold of. In the end, however, they are usually worth it, as they feel like the very definition of “indie pop.” Gardner’s piano playing is spot-on perfect, while Hammel’s drumming really brings everything together. The catchiness of their songs makes you feel like singing along. Much of this comes from repetition of a single lyric (or sound), as in the song “Now,” where, I swear, the word “now” is repeated at least 140 times.

No matter how repetitive the lyrics may sound, their melodies are simply enthralling. The combination of their voices really shines in “For the Actor” and “Goods,” while the song “My Only Offer” is a testament to their wonderful lyrical style. The song “Ha Ha” has seemingly changing tempos and an increasingly interesting electric piano.

Out of all their songs, however, I think that “The Re-arranger” is their best song, and, arguably, makes my Top Ten Best Songs of All Time. If you walk away from this article and look them up, let this be the first song you listen to. It encompasses everything Mates of State is about, offering a great beat, repetition of lyrics and great vocals.

Extra: Free Energy is a great pop rock band worth checking out too; their songs “Free Energy” and “Dream City” are awesome songs.