Maximum RockNRoll - "FIGHTER D/MATES OF STATE split 45 on Omnibus Records, Davis, CA is a good debut release for these two local bands. Fighter D, who include a former Cinnamon Imperial, have a dissonant jangly pop thing going on in their song that actually reminds of the early Blake Babies with a dash of UK indie." October 1999

Shredding Paper - "I've just been told that the Mates Of State side in no way matches the brilliance of their live spectacle. Now my view is tainted! Shit. Ok, well the obvious comparison is Quasi, but the singer/keys player is female andthe drummer is male, and they still go out. Unlike Quasi however, the Farfisa-type buzzing organ brings a much more sweet n' summery felling to the songs, instead of one of melancholy and catchy depression. I have to agree with my source that the drummer Jason's backup vocals are a bit "indie" for my taste, but Kori's vocals really carry the burden of the songs, and they are possibly my bet for the next indie pop superstars. Fighter D is not so bad either, doing that sort of post-emoey pop stuff with emotive vocals and driving strum, kind of like the sort of stuff you used to hear following the toppling of the Olympia indie kingdom (Team Dresch, Excuse 17, etc). "
Matt