The State Department

"...in fact, as I watched them last night, I said to myself 'State Department may be the best DC band I’ve heard all year'. And this shouldn’t have surprised me, as two of its members were coming from other DC bands I loved, largely because of the said members. Guitarist Patrick Kigongo provides the Factory Records sound behind Ra Ra Rasputin, and vocalist Michael Medlock was the Greg Dulli behind the now defunct Black and White Jacksons. Not two people you’d expect to be in the same band, but it’s the surprises in life, right? Their 30 minute set was awesome, full of perfect rock flourishes. I’m hoping this doesn’t end up a forgotten side-project or break up Ra Ra Rasputin because they are two very different and very cool sounds I’m looking forward to seeing again."
- www.bigyawn.net

"With an all-star band like State Department in the headlining slot, there is often a feeling that whatever happens before they take the stage is an obligatory preamble..."
- www.brightestyoungthings.com

"Conjuring echoes of the Afghan Whigs, Joy Division and Gang of Four, rapidly-ascending DC band The State Department brought an urgent, LOUD sensibility to DC’s rock-n-roll scene in 2009, and we anticipate even more buzz in 2010. The band’s MySpace page describes its sound as rock/post-punk/ghettotech. Whatever you call it, it rocks – especially live. The band’s fans – and several hometown blogs – are still gushing over their incendiary show at the Black Cat in October. Frontman Michael Medlock’s vocals are brusque, yet captivating, and the rest of the swaggering band is raggedly authentic. This is a punk/rock/ghettotech band that’s going places." - On Tap Magazine

"The State Department played a short set, most likely due to diplomatic responsibilities elsewhere in the globe, but the brevity of their performance should not insinuate any lacking aspect of the show. They were great, especially their startlingly original cover of The Velvet Underground’s 'I’m Waiting for the Man'. I can only hope that it was a powerful start to an illustrious musical career." - www.brightestyoungthings.com