With a powerful and interesting approach to making music, Mates of State makes some pretty… With a powerful and interesting approach to making music, Mates of State makes some pretty impressive music. Fortunately, you get the chance to experience it in person tonight at 8 p.m. The band will be heading the WPTS-sponsored show at the Public Health Auditorium.

After years of playing in countless different bands, Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel hooked up at the University of Kansas in 1997. After their meeting, they decided to ditch the guitars that they wielded in previous bands to take a new approach with their music.

They left Kansas for California, where Gardner learned to play a big-ass organ and Hammel worked on his skills behind a drum set. The result was beautiful music and the formation of a band. Now the two have three full-length albums.

Not only do they work together making music, but they also coexist as a married couple. But unlike the White Stripes, they don’t deny that they are married. They sing about their love, making it especially clear in their song “Gotta Get a Problem.”

Leaving guitars out of the picture, they work on using their vocals as another powerful instrument. They both share vocal duties, singing over top of one another and taking turns with verses. It brings the music to an entirely different level; it’s a beautiful change of pace from the typical mold of making music.

Mates of State has been touring recently with Death Cab for Cutie, helping to get the word out about themselves a little more. They will then go on to open some shows for The Strokes, including the show that comes to Pittsburgh on Wed., May 12.

Also playing is the Brooklyn-based, melodic punk band Palomar. The four-piece plays a punchy, in-your-face style of music with driving guitars and a powerful rhythm section.

Friends of Mates of State and the Oranges Band — also on the bill — Palomar has toured heavily the past couple of years since the release of their second album Palomar II. Their laid-back attitude helps with the extensive touring and draws in kids to the shows.

The Oranges Band will also take the stage tonight. The five members of the band have made quite a name for themselves in their hometown of Baltimore. Playing a poppy-punk with a driving rhythm section the Oranges Band has a solid sound, great guitar work and vocals with heavy drums resonating through the background of the songs.

Only together since April 2000, the Oranges Band has quickly garnered acclaim from several music magazines; its sound is well worth the recognition.

Rounding out the night is the Philadelphia-based Missing Pilots. WPTS holds this band dear to its heart as one of its very own radio staffers, Rob Hart, hammers the skins for the Missing Pilots.

Playing what may be the most emotional and darkest music of the four bands that will take the stage, Missing Pilots have what can be described as My Bloody Valentine meets Radiohead. Although some Radiohead is less desirable than the music produced by this young band, you can still compare the two.

Missing Pilots have an emotionally driven sound — that at times may be depressing as well as rock — but it never sucks, which is key. They have gotten together with local record label Eidus Records to release a six-song EP that can be purchased at www.eidusrecords.com.

Wrap up your week the right way tonight and support your college radio station and indie rock bands.

WPTS presents Mates of State, Palomar, The Oranges Band and Missing Pilots at The Public Health Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. An all-ages show, open to the public, tickets are $10. For more information, call (412) 648-7990.