CheckMates

It's kind of serendipitous when album releases seem to closely mirror the season they are released in (Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago for example. Released last winter and echoing icy remorse accordingly). Add Mates of State's Re-Arrange Us to the pile, this time hand in hand with the sunlight of spring/summer.

Married couple and family musicians tend to connect on a subconscious level that translates over onto the recordings and MoS are no exception. This is, in my opinion, their most focused effort, eschewing much of the chaotic twee they are more famous for in favor of deliberately crafted and restrained pop with engaging harmonies and dynamics. In short, Summer becomes this record and I'm digging it like an archaeologist. Speaking of which...

Listen:
Get Better
The Re-Arranger
[from Re-Arrange Us|buy]