Four years and three albums later, Matt and Kim have yet to lose their vibrant and energetic persona which pulsates through every melody and beat of their new album, “Sidewalks.” After only one year since the release of their sophomore album, “Grand,” “Sidewalks” seems to capture the same manner of upbeat confidence with every vivid pop lyric and electric rhythm.
Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino, who consider themselves a dance-punk duo, inspire the happiest days with the vocals and music that flows out of their drum set and keyboard.
“Sidewalks” begins with the song “Block after Block” which features the album’s soft and innocent tones. The tones in “Block after Block” are similar to those in their previous album, “Grand,” but lack the same sharp electric melodies of songs such as “Daylight” and “Lessons Learned.”
Matt and Kim’s transition into softer melodies reveal the duo’s growth as pop musicians who stay true to their own artistic and creative vibe that never lacks confidence. Songs such as “Cameras” are sure to flow through the speakers and cure the deepest blues with each sing-a-long lyric.
The song “Good for Great” also puts a smile on the saddest face featuring lyrics such as “the air that I will breathe, the colors I’d have seen, I’ll leave these pages in the trees today, leave good for great” which weave through each drum beat and piano key.
If show tunes and dance punk could come together and have a baby, it would be “Northeast.” “Northeast” features innocent lyrics which prevail over each soft and slow melody that flows from Matt and Kim. The song is the album’s prime example of the band’s transition into softer melodies and tones.
The album also features the songs “Wires” and “Silver Tiles” which are easily defined as memorable. Each lyric inevitably rolls off the tongue and each time a beat bounces off the drum, heads will nod.
To call “Sidewalks” genius would not be far from the truth. Matt and Kim are seemingly unable to disappointment even the least of their fans. Their album not only shows growth but also the duo’s ability to spark genius with each passing year.
Eva Bialobrzeski can be reached for comment at [email protected].