Photos / Review: Mates of State @ the Ottobar (2008.11.23)

by Shantel Mitchell | November 25th 2008, 10:32 PM

Photo Credit: faithdesired

Standing in line for the Mates of State show at the Ottobar, freezing, I overheard the door guy ask these girls if they were going to remove the waffles before they opened doors. I thought: remove the waffles??? One of the girls replied: “No… the waffles are part of our show.” Immediately, I was intrigued. I was here to see Mates of State, who I was really looking forward. They produce such a great sound and I have heard that they are just as good live as they are recorded. However, I had never heard of the opening acts (Avocado Happy Hour and Brother Reade). As I made my way up to the stage, I was surprised to find a table fully loaded with waffle makers, whip cream, and cups of chocolate chips. As the music began, the girls got to work cooking waffles and before too long, the entire Ottobar smelled more like a diner then a bar! After a few songs, waffles were offered to the crowd.

Following Avocado Happy Hour was Brother Reade, who has been opening for Mates of State for the tour. Lights were turned down very low as the two piece started their set with improv drumming and guitar noise. The band was very grateful to be on tour with Mates of State and was very sad that this show at the Ottobar was their last with the band. For a hip-hop band, the crowd was relatively calm and still – I am assuming still digesting their bit of waffles offered by Avocado Happy Hour. Despite a calm crowd, Brother Reade gave a very interesting performance mixing old school style rap with a very experimental sound featuring percussion and turn style spinning.

Mates of State concluded the evening with a very energetic set ending their tour with Brother Reade. Their bouncy tunes and harmonies engaged the audience, who were clearly there to see Mates of State. Interaction between the two of them on stage only added to the excitement of the evening. It was great to finally see them play live, and as I had heard, their live performance was every bit as good as their recorded material!