Some people marry for love. Some for companionship. And yes, there are some thrifty evil souls out there who marry for riches. But we romantics at the Austinist are happy to know that at least two people in this hardened nation of ours have married for a reason even purer than true love: rock and roll. Back in 2001 Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel decided to ditch their day jobs, get hitched, and begin their lives together in an endlessly traveling tour bus. These Mates of State never looked back.

The Mates’s powerfully poptacular performances feature Kori's Yamaha Electone YC 45 (that's a wicked awesome organ) and Jason's drums, both of which build and destroy song dynamics, creating an unbelievably large sound for a two-piece. They also harmonize sweetly, pretty much the whole time. Song structures bounce all over the place, and we can tell these two are, well, happy. And that makes us feel good.

Thankfully, they play a LOT of shows, and they invite all of us to join them in their bliss. In fact, they’re playing this Sunday night at Emo’s. A Sunday show?? you say. But I’ve got work and school Monday morning!! Nonsense!! This week, come shake off those Sunday Blues with the Mates…on us! Just fill out the below form for a chance to win a couple spots on the guest list.

Asobi Seksu (which we all know means "playful sex" in colloquial Japanese) serve up appetizers of saucy "guitar-swirling, sweet-and-sour, bilingual dream pop," and Austin's own Faceless Werewolves lick that shit up like it's human blood. Love and death and Asian food—now that’s the way to start your week.

Mates of State [Website] [myspace]
[Cool-ass video to "Fraud in the 80s"]

Asobi Seksu [website] [myspace]

Faceless Werewolves [myspace]

Mates of State / Asobi Seksu / Faceless Werewolves
Sunday, December 3
Emo's (outside)[map]
Doors 8 PM, show starts at 9 PM
$12.50 Advance [tickets]

photo by Terri Loewenthal