SuppliedNew Glow
Matt and Kim
Harvest Records
harvestrecords.com
Matt and Kim never cease to be a good time, but that is really all they are — a good time.
Since their first album in 2006, the indie duo have kept to the same formula. Vocalist Matt Johnson provides the melodies and the looped harmonies and drummer Kim Schiffino backs the whole thing up with fun drum lines. The tracks on their latest work, New Glow, are all upbeat party anthems, artfully crafted to be fun to scream after four too many beers. “We don’t want to go home,” is shouted at the listener multiple times in the single “Get It.” “Hey Now” lets the listener know that “If you died I’d die right by your side.” The cliches are abundant.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with their fifth album, New Glow. It’s fun, dancey and sure to get a room full of people hyped. The problem is that it’s exactly the same, if not more irritatingly saccharine than every other piece of music the fun friends from Brooklyn have produced. For example, one track is called “Hoodie On.” It’s literally about wearing a sweater.
They have tried to change up their music a little bit — the synths are more trap-inspired and there’s a few more attempts at rapping then should be coming from two white kids. There’s a few more horns mixed in as well, making the record sound less “do-it-yourself” than in the past, but that would be a natural progression for a band that used to sound like they recorded in their friend’s basement.
Matt and Kim are the two people you want to have at every party. They’re fun, upbeat and a good time. But after partying with them for five straight years, it’s becoming clear that their schtick is getting old.
